Police searching for Bronx man suspected of sexually abusing several children

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Police are looking for a Bronx man who they suspect of sexually abusing five children and one young adult over the course of eight years — including at least three victims that he met at homeless shelters.

Officials said Stephen Charles, 42, is wanted for sex crimes against a 10-year-old boy, an 11-year-old boy, a 13-year-old boy, a 13-year-old girl, a 16-year-old boy and an 18-year-old male. They said the incidents occurred between Jan. 1, 2018 and May 5, 2026.

One of the victims is a family member, according to police. They said the sexual abuse came to light after Charles was arrested in June for physically assaulting the family member, prompting one of that person’s friends to come forward about abuse that involved both of them.

Information for Charles’ lawyer in that case was not immediately available.

At least three of the other victims crossed paths with Charles while they were living at Bronx homeless shelters, according to the NYPD. Officials did not specify exactly which shelters they were, but noted that the pattern of abuse could be traced to several different neighborhoods in the borough.

Police are asking anyone with information about Charles’ whereabouts to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish. The public can also submit tips via the Crime Stoppers website , or via X with a message to @NYPDTips .

Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected] .

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