Full Breakdown
Meta Engineer Arrested in Child-Sexting Sting
7/20/2026, 9:03:40 PM
Core Event
Engineering manager Josh Felker, 44, was taken into custody on July 20, 2026 after a two-hour confrontation with members of the vigilante group Predator Poachers Long Island. The group had created a fake social-media profile posing as a 13-year-old girl; Felker messaged the account from May onward, sending explicit texts, photos and videos and proposing an in-person meeting. Police arrived at the scene outside his Manhattan apartment and arrested him on charges of “sending obscene content to a child” and “endangering the welfare of a child.” He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and is scheduled to appear in court again on September 9.
Background & Context
Predator Poachers Long Island operates covertly to expose individuals it believes are seeking sexual contact with minors. The organization’s members posed as the teen’s grandmother during a phone call that was recorded and later released. Their investigation led them to Felker’s Murray Hill residence, where he initially tried to flee before agreeing to speak while his mother-in-law was inside.
Official Statements & Responses
Meta declined to comment when contacted for a statement. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office filed the two charges and confirmed that Felker’s plea was “not guilty.” Police described the operation as a “standard sting” and noted that the suspect was detained without incident after the recorded conversation ended.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Even though inappropriate things had already gone on, I just almost wish I could be her dad,” — Josh Felker, Engineering Manager, Meta
- “I did this once before with another girl who is underaged,” — Josh Felker
- “any port in a storm.” — Josh Felker (referring to his view of the victims)
What’s Next
Felker’s next court appearance is set for September 9, 2026, where the prosecution will seek a trial on the two child-exploitation charges. No further comment from Meta is expected pending the outcome of the case.
