A Long Island teenager, just 18 years old, is accused of assaulting two 11-year-old boys he connected with on Snapchat, dismissing the horrific acts as mere pranks or dares, according to prosecutors.
According to the Suffolk County DA’s office, Bradley Schioppa, using the username “paxonhotsg5,” reportedly entered a Snapchat chat intended for 11-year-old boys in the Smithtown area in April.
The boys believed Schioppa was of similar age and did not raise any concerns about his involvement in the chat, according to the DA’s office.
Prosecutors revealed that it was only when Schioppa began appearing in person at locations frequented by the boys, such as Robert A. Brady Park in Smithtown, that they recognized his age.
Authorities report that he took the boys for a ride in his car, treated them to snacks and soft drinks, and engaged them in prank games.
During their outings, it is alleged that Schioppa committed sexual abuse against one of the boys in the bathroom at Brady Park, and against another in the restroom of a CVS in Smithtown, according to prosecutors.
In both instances, he reportedly portrayed the abuse as a prank or dare that the boys would receive payment for, according to authorities.
In May 2025, prosecutors revealed that the mother of one of the boys uncovered messages exchanged between Schioppa and her son.
Upon inquiring with her pre-teen son, he disclosed the purported mistreatment.
Authorities initiated an inquiry and subsequently took Schioppa, from Bay Shore, into custody on May 21.
Schioppa faced arraignment on Tuesday, facing serious charges including first-degree rape, second-degree sexual abuse, and endangering the welfare of a child.
Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis has mandated that he be held on a cash bail of $450,000, a bond of $900,000, or a partially secured bond amounting to $4.5 million.
He is set to return to court on July 8, facing the possibility of a 25-year prison sentence if found guilty of the most serious charge.
“This defendant is accused of committing horrific acts against two innocent children,” District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney said in a statement. “These charges reflect the seriousness of the alleged conduct. Protecting our most vulnerable residents, especially children, remains my highest priority. We will pursue this case with the full force of the law to deliver the justice these children deserve.”
Authorities are currently working to uncover if Schioppa may have targeted additional victims.
Officials are calling on parents to reach out if their child has interacted with Schioppa through his Snapchat account “paxonhotsg5” or any other means. They can contact the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office at 631-852-2555 or the Suffolk County Police Department Special Victims Section at 631-852-6531.
