Ryan Cargill, of East Patchogue, accused of rape, sex assaults on children he met off Facebook

Prosecutors have charged a man they say used social media to sexually abuse children. Prosecutors say 28-year-old Ryan Cargill, of East Patchogue, created a fake Facebook profile to disguise himself

News 12 Staff

•

Mar 8, 2014, 3:18 AM

•

Updated 4,101 days ago

Prosecutors have charged a man they say used social media to sexually abuse children.

Prosecutors say 28-year-old Ryan Cargill, of East Patchogue, created a fake Facebook profile to disguise himself as a high school student. Cargill then allegedly would send friend requests to young girls.

Cargill is accused of engaging in sexual contact with at least three victims, some younger than 13. He is charged with 22 counts, ranging from rape in the first degree to sex assault against a child.

District Attorney Thomas Spota says Cargill used the Internet to prey on young girls from June 2011 through February 2012.

If convicted, Cargill faces more than 20 years in prison. He's due back in court later this month.

Laura Ahearn, of Parents for Meghan's Law, says cases like this should be a wakeup call for parents.

"Social networking is a free-for-all for sexual predators who disguise themselves as nice guys just looking for friendly relationships," she says. "They're sexual predators - they're not nice guys."