The Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office and the Ithaca Police Department are alerting the public to a series of Facebook groups they say are being operated under potentially misleading pretenses.
According to authorities, the groups—Tompkins County Public Safety Information, Tompkins County Predator Alert, and Finger Lakes Region Predator Alert – NYSPA Charter 3—appear to be managed by two individuals, one of whom uses a profile under the name “Malikron Sable.” Investigators say interactions between this profile and another group moderator may give the impression that two separate people are involved, when they may not be.
Additionally, law enforcement officials are raising concerns about the use of certain names and online content that could give users the false impression that the groups are affiliated with government agencies or official law enforcement efforts. Specifically, references to entities like “NYSPA” and “SCS Group” may suggest legitimacy, but neither organization is registered as a business or nonprofit in New York State. Authorities confirm they are not connected to the state government or any law enforcement agency.
While emphasizing their respect for free speech and the public’s right to engage with online platforms, officials are urging community members to exercise caution when reviewing or sharing content from unofficial sources.
“We encourage residents to critically evaluate the credibility of information, especially when it is presented in a way that may be misleading,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
For accurate and up-to-date information about registered sex offenders in the area, residents are advised to consult the official Sex Offender Registry, which is available through both the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office and the Ithaca Police Department websites.
Law enforcement also stressed its commitment to thoroughly investigating all reports of sexual abuse. Anyone who feels a report was mishandled or who believes they have been targeted or misled by the groups in question is encouraged to contact either department. Online complaint forms and reporting procedures are available on their respective websites.
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