FBI: Mahopac man exploited minors in online scheme

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - A Mahopac man faces multiple felonies after he was charged by federal prosecutors with engaging in an interstate scheme to lure minors into producing sexually explicit material.

Brian Liam Fullerton, 46, of Mahopac, was charged with three counts of sexual exploitation of a child, felonies that each carry a 15-year mandatory minimum and a 30-year maximum sentence, according to the office of the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York and the FBI.

Fullerton was arrested Friday morning (May 2) and was brought before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith McCarthy in White Plains federal court. 

 “As alleged, Brian Fullerton used Snapchat and other social media applications to manipulate and exploit numerous minor victims,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “We will prosecute those who prey on our children to the fullest extent of the law.”

The FBI alleges that Fullerton directed several female minors to record and perform sexual acts, while requiring secrecy upon learning the victims’ underage status. The defendant allegedly engaged in unlawful sexual communications and induced the repeated production of explicit content, violating the victims’ privacy and “preying upon their innocence.” 

According to the federal complaint, from as early as September 2022, Fullerton used social messaging applications, including Snapchat, to prey on victims as young as 14. Fullerton got the victims to send him sexually explicit photos and videos of themselves. Among those prosecutors say he targeted was the 14-year-old minor, from whom Fullerton obtained several sexually explicit videos and to whom he sent sexually explicit text messages, writing, among other things, “I scrolled to make sure my face wasn’t in any pics don’t need them seeing how old I am ;).”

Investigators ask that anyone with information concerning Fullerton and who may have encountered someone using the Snapchat username “lomax518,” the Instagram username “BRADSMITH4187,” the Kik username “lomax518,” or the TikTok username “bradsddysza,”e contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or at https://tips.fbi.gov.