The Greenwich Police Department was made aware that an adult male was sending inappropriate text messages to a 13-year old child.
During the course of a week long investigation, detectives from the GPD Special Victims Section posed as the juvenile victim. The suspect, aware that the original recipient was a 13-year old female, attempted to entice the juvenile to engage in illegal sexual activity.
The suspect continued to send sexually explicit messages and photographs to the recipient. The accused finally attempted to set up a meeting with the juvenile. On August 13, 2021 at about 3:00pm.
Greenwich Police detectives conducted an undercover operation in Greenwich during which the suspect appeared at the agreed upon location believing that he was meeting the juvenile in order to engage in illegal sexual activity. The suspect arrived at the arranged location and was placed under arrest without incident. The accused is identified as Rashad Tao Salaam, 41, of Bridgeport, CT.
Mr. Salaam was charged with Criminal Attempt at Sexual Contact with a Victim Under the Age of 16 (CGS 53a-49/53-21(a)(2)); Criminal Attempt at Sexual Assault 2nd Degree (CGS 53a-49/53a-71); and Criminal
Attempt at Enticing a Minor By Computer (CGS 53-49/53a-90a(a)).
Rashad was held on a $650,000 bond and was scheduled to appear in court on August 16, 2021.
The accused had access to children through his employment in a school cafeteria.
In order to protect the identity of the victim, no further information on the school will be provided.
“We would like to recognize the parents of the juvenile victim for monitoring their child’s online activity and phone
contacts and bringing this matter to us for investigation,” said Deputy Chief of Police Robert Berry in a statement, adding, “Our Special Victims Section detectives conducted a complex and sensitive investigation expertly and professionally and ensured that an alleged sexual predator in our community will face justice.
Berry continued, “We ask that all parents periodically check the cell phones and online activities of their children and ensure that children understand what is appropriate to share and when to bring matters to parental attention. People of all ages should be cautious of what they share online and be certain with whom they are communicating. No one should ever arrange a meeting in person with a stranger.”
If you believe that you or someone you know is the victim of inappropriate online sexual activity in Greenwich or if you have any information concerning this investigation, please contact the Greenwich Police Special Victims Section at (203) 622-8030.