By: Hillary Nappi, Partner at AWK Survivor Advocate Attorneys
Fishkill, NY — When a child exploitation investigation leads to the arrest of a person entrusted with children's mental health, the harm extends far beyond the courtroom. A recent undercover operation in Fishkill, New York, resulted in the arrest of five men including a licensed child therapist on charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors. For families affected by this case, and for survivors of child sexual abuse more broadly, understanding your legal rights is an essential step toward justice.
What Happened in Fishkill
New York State Police, working alongside the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the FBI Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, and Fishkill police, conducted a two-day undercover operation targeting individuals who were attempting to arrange sexual encounters with people they believed were minors.
Five men were arrested as a result: Jaime Lucero-Giron, 27, of New Windsor; Gerber Flores, 26, of Newburgh; Edwin Soriano Rutilo, 22, of Hopewell Junction; Frank Martinez, 21, of Wappinger; and David Pawlikowski, 43, of Hyde Park. All five were arraigned in Fishkill Town Court and remanded to the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center on $50,000 cash bail.
Lucero-Giron, charged with attempted rape in the second degree, was identified by parents as a therapist who had worked with their children through Thompson Counseling Services. The practice confirmed he was employed there and resigned effective May 29. Thompson Counseling Services has stated it was unaware of the charges at the time of his resignation and does not believe the criminal case is connected to the practice or its clients.
Why This Case Matters Beyond the Arrests
Criminal charges are only one part of the picture. For families whose children were seen by Lucero-Giron in a therapeutic setting, the revelation that someone in a position of professional trust now faces these allegations can be deeply unsettling — and raises legitimate questions about civil liability, institutional responsibility, and the safety of minors in care.
This is not simply a matter for the criminal courts. Parents and survivors may have civil legal options available to them, including potential claims against individuals and, depending on the circumstances, against institutions that failed to adequately screen or supervise the people in their care.
The Particular Danger of Exploitation by Trusted Professionals Child therapists occupy a uniquely sensitive role. They are given access to vulnerable children, often during some of the most difficult periods of those children's lives. That trust, when violated, causes damage that goes far beyond the immediate incident. It can undermine a child's ability to seek help in the future, disrupt their sense of safety, and create lasting psychological harm. When someone in a position of professional authority exploits that access — or is alleged to have done so — the legal and emotional implications for families are significant. Knowing where to turn, and acting quickly to preserve evidence and understand your options, can make a meaningful difference.
How AWK Helps Families and Survivors
At AWK Survivor Advocate Attorneys, we represent survivors of child sexual abuse and exploitation, including those whose harm involved a trusted professional or institution. We understand that these situations raise questions that go beyond what law enforcement can address — questions about civil accountability, institutional failures, and compensation for the harm you or your child has endured.
Our team helps families navigate the legal process with discretion and compassion. We advise on civil claims against individuals and organizations, help preserve critical evidence, and pursue accountability through every available channel. If your family has been affected by this case or a similar situation involving a trusted professional, you do not have to face it alone. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.