MIDDLETOWN, NY — New York State Police arrested a 68-year-old man Jan. 16, 2026, for allegedly attempting to engage in sexual misconduct with a minor.
Matthew Hersh, of Milton, is charged with attempted rape in the second degree, a class D felony, and attempted endangering the welfare of a child, a class A misdemeanor.
The investigation began Jan. 12, 2026, after Hersh allegedly communicated with an individual he believed to be a minor and attempted to arrange a meeting to engage in inappropriate sexual conduct.
On Jan. 16, 2026, Hersh traveled to a motel in Middletown where he had agreed to meet the minor, according to state police.
Hersh was arrested without incident and transported to New York State Police Middletown for processing.
He was arraigned in the City of Middletown Court, where bail was set at $5,000 cash, $10,000 secured bond, or $10,000 partially secured bond.
Hersh is scheduled to return to the City of Middletown Court on Jan. 21, 2026, at 9 a.m.
The arrest was made by the New York State Police Troop F Computer Crimes Unit in collaboration with the Community Stabilization Unit.
