A Columbia University student, who was once a Nobel Peace Prize nominee for his work to end sexual violence against kids, was arrested in Manhattan on charges of child pornography and attempted child sex crimes, authorities said.
Joel Davis was collared Tuesday following a federal investigation that started in May and ended Monday, according to federal court papers.
During that time, Davis allegedly exchanged text messages with undercover federal agents — sending lewd images of infants and children and expressing his interest in having a sexual relationship with minors. He later planned to meet with two young girls — ages 2 and 9 years old — to engage in sexual activity.
On May 15, Davis responded to an undercover agent’s posting on a fetish website, using the alias “yngperv22.” He explained to the agent he was interested in children age “0+” and has “no limits” — and boasted that he had engaged in sexual activity with three kids, ranging in age from 9 months old to 7 years old, according to the documents.
The general studies student was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015 for his work with Youth to End Sexual Violence.
The once-acclaimed advocate admitted to the crimes and was charged with possession, receipt and distribution of child pornography, enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity and attempted exploitation of a minor.