A two-day Erie County operation led to five felony arrests. Police also reported a separate FBI arrest on a supervised-release warrant.
An Erie County online child exploitation investigation led to the arrests of five people charged with attempted rape in the second degree, New York State Police announced on October 12, 2026. The operation brought together state, federal and local investigators. Police also named a sixth person who was taken into FBI custody on a warrant related to alleged violations of supervised release.
The distinction matters: the release identifies five people as facing the attempted-rape charge. It does not say that the sixth person faces that same charge. All allegations remain unproven, and the people accused are presumed innocent unless convicted in court.
What happened in the Erie County investigation?
According to the State Police announcement, investigators conducted a two-day online operation in Erie County in early October. Participating agencies included the New York State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation based at SP Clarence, the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and the Lancaster Police Department.
The announcement gives arrest dates but does not describe the online exchanges, identify a platform or explain how investigators gathered evidence. It also does not state whether investigators posed as minors. Those details should not be assumed from the type of operation alone.
Who was arrested and what are the charges?
State Police said the following four people were arrested on October 2 and charged with attempted rape in the second degree:
- Michael J. Soloman, 43, of Tonawanda.
- Kelly J. Kagel, 38, of Lockport.
- Anthoney F. Stokes, 47, of Buffalo.
- Alexander A. Amarena, 29, of Lockport.
Police identified Joseph D. Boyler, 69, of Tonawanda, as the fifth person facing the same charge. His arrest occurred on October 3, according to the release.
The agency described attempted rape in the second degree as a Class E felony. Names, ages and hometowns above follow the spelling and details in the police announcement.
A sixth person was taken into FBI custody
The release separately lists Mohammad Mohanuddin, 29, of Buffalo. State Police said a warrant was issued after he was found to have violated conditions of supervised release with U.S. Probation. The FBI took him into custody on October 4.
The announcement does not identify his underlying federal case, describe the alleged release violations or list a new attempted-rape charge against him. It would therefore be inaccurate to describe all six named people as charged with the same offense.
What does an attempted-rape charge mean?
A criminal attempt involves an allegation that a person intended to commit a crime and took action tending toward its commission. That is the general definition in New York Penal Law Section 110.00.
An attempt charge is distinct from an allegation that the underlying offense was completed. The police release does not report a completed rape, and this article does not suggest that one occurred.
Penal Law Section 130.30, covering rape in the second degree, includes provisions involving an adult age 18 or older and a person under 15. The announcement does not identify the specific statutory provision used in these cases or disclose a purported victim’s age. The statute provides background; it does not establish the facts of any individual defendant’s case.
Police allegations also do not decide guilt. The evidence and the legal requirements of the charged offense must be addressed through the court process. The release provides no plea, conviction or sentencing information.
What has not been disclosed?
The public announcement leaves several questions unanswered. It does not provide:
- The court handling each case or the next appearance dates.
- Arraignment, bail or detention details for the five felony defendants.
- The specific conduct alleged against each person.
- The number of children, if any, directly involved.
- The online services used or the contents of communications.
These gaps limit what can responsibly be reported. The lack of a detail in a press release does not establish that it did or did not happen. It means the announcement does not answer that question.
The release also does not report an arrest or a victim in Utica or the Mohawk Valley. This is a Western New York case with a broader public-safety topic, rather than a local arrest report.
How can someone report information about this case?
State Police asked people with additional information about the named individuals, or who believe they may be victims, to contact investigators:
- Telephone: 585-344-6200.
- Email: Crimetip@troopers.ny.gov.
Case-related information should go to investigators rather than a public comment thread. Reporting directly can also help protect the privacy of someone seeking assistance. Call 911 if there is an immediate emergency.
Where can families find help for online exploitation?
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children operates the CyberTipline, a national system for reporting suspected online exploitation. It accepts reports from the public and online service providers, including reports of suspected online enticement and child sexual abuse material.
NCMEC reviews tips and works to identify a potential location so information can reach the appropriate law-enforcement agency for possible investigation. A tip is a report requiring review; it is not itself proof of a crime.
For someone who feels isolated or unsure where to turn, the organization’s message is direct: “A trusted adult can offer advice, help you report.” Its guidance identifies parents, relatives and school counselors among possible sources of support.
- For information about these arrests: use the State Police contacts above.
- For other suspected online exploitation: visit report.cybertip.org or call NCMEC at 1-800-843-5678.
- For emotional and practical support: review NCMEC’s victim and family resources, which include crisis assistance and counseling referrals.
Protecting children and treating criminal allegations fairly are both essential. Readers can help by sharing verified reporting resources, respecting potential victims’ privacy and avoiding claims that go beyond the evidence made public.
Sources: New York State Police release dated October 12, 2026; New York Penal Law Sections 110.00 and 130.30; National Center for Missing & Exploited Children CyberTipline guidance. Reporting reflects the information available in these sources at preparation.
