News - Tech Executive Arrested in Explicit Chat Sting with Decoy Minor

In a disturbing revelation, a New York City-based engineering manager, Josh Felker, aged 44, known for developing 'digital experiences for kids' at Meta, finds himself entangled in a legal nightmare. The ordeal unraveled after Felker was caught in an undercover sting operation orchestrated by Predator Poachers Long Island, a group that aims to thwart potential predators. Felker, whose LinkedIn profile has since been deleted, was implicated in grooming and attempting to sext a persona he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. The supposed teen, however, was part of a decoy account designed by the vigilante group. In conversation with a group member posing as the teenager's grandmother via phone, Felker disturbingly expressed a wish 'almost to be her dad,' despite the inappropriate exchanges that had already transpired. This shocking case began in May when Felker made initial contact with the decoy account. Over the following months, he allegedly escalated the situation by sending explicit photos and videos, attempting to instruct the decoy on sexual matters, and even proposing an in-person encounter. Mike Villani, who led the operation for Predator Poachers Long Island, shared these damning details along with chat logs. The climax of the sting unfolded when the group confronted Felker outside his Murray Hill apartment. Initially taken aback, Felker fled but eventually submitted to a discussion at a nearby location, away from his unsuspecting mother-in-law inside. During this exchange, Felker acknowledged his culpability, shockingly admitting to a previous incident involving another underaged girl. His comparison of the online encounters to 'any port in a storm' raised further alarm. Felker attributed his actions to dissatisfaction in his marriage, alleging a lack of intimacy drove him to such 'dark corners' online. After nearly two hours, the confrontation concluded with police intervention; Felker was arrested just blocks from his residence. Charges against Felker include disseminating indecent material to minors and endangering a child's welfare. At his arraignment, he pleaded not guilty, with further court proceedings scheduled for September 9. Attempts to reach Meta for comment on the incident went unanswered as of now. The case underscores the ongoing challenges tech companies face in safeguarding online spaces, especially those meant for children, from malicious actors, even those within their ranks.