Bay Shore Man Arrested in Child-Sex Sting

Walter Hurst

A 57-year-old Bay Shore man described by authorities as a “sexual predator” was arrested Thursday night at a Hicksville hotel where allegedly he thought he was going to trade drugs for sex with a 12-year-old girl.

Nassau County police said their investigation into Walter Hurst began three days before he was arrested when a “third-party” reported to police that Hurst “expressed in conversation” that he wanted to exchange 10 oxycodone pills for sex with a girl.

“There was never a 12-year-old,” said Det. Lt. Kevin Smith. “The only thing he was going to encounter at that hotel was Narcotics Vice Squad members all about 6-foot-3 who looked like middle linebackers.”

Hurst was charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal solicitation. He was expected to be arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead on Friday.

Chief of Detectives Rick Capece said crimes like this “will not be tolerated and the Nassau County police will aggressively investigate and arrest anyone who prays upon innocent children.”

He said what investigators allegedly overheard Hurst say even had “seasoned detectives…disturbed by the nature of the conversation.” Police declined to elaborate on the content of the conversation.

“He went into great detail, graphic detail,” Smith explained. “So disturbing that we wouldn’t just let this slide.”

What detectives found inside the hotel room was just as disturbing, officials said. Along with the alleged drugs, Hurst also brought with him candy, Yoo-hoo, Gummy Bears, condoms and lubricant.

“Items that a small child might like,” Smith said of the candy and chocolate milk.

“These are very serious charges and we’re dealing with our children,” Capece said. “This is something that’s very important to us, that’s why we’re going full throttle in this investigation.”

Police said they’re urging the public to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS, if they believe their children may have been victims.

Police said they don’t know if Hurst ever had sex with minors in the past.

Smith said investigators will also look into where he got the pharmaceutical drugs.