York ‘Whisper’ Investigation Could Turn Federal

YORK – Livingston County Sheriff Thomas Dougherty says that the disseminating indecent materials investigation into a Webster man could result in further charges or a federal investigation.

Currently, Jason Korts, 41, is charged with two counts of felony Attempted Disseminating Indecent Materials to a Minor and one count of misdemeanor Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

At arraignment Thursday, York Town Justice Thomas Porter read onto the record an accusatory instrument that alleges that Korts contacted a 15-year-old girl over the anonymous social media app Whisper, arranged for them to meet in York, met with her, and asked her to perform sex acts on him. Dougherty said that no actual sexual contact is believed to have occurred.

Dougherty said that after this first meeting is believed to have taken place, the girl’s parents called the police and Sheriff’s investigators continued the conversation with Korts, posing as the 15-year-old.

Porter read a further accusatory instrument that alleges that Korts sent a photo of his private parts, believing he was messaging with the girl.

Dougherty said that his investigators are executing search warrants for electronic devices.

Korts stood with his head bowed at arraignment, answering the Justice’s routine questions quietly.

Livingston County Assistant District Attorney Josh Tonra recommended that bail be set at $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond due to the serious nature of the charges and that Korts is not a Livingston County resident. He requested a temporary no-contact order of protection in favor of the girl and that Korts surrender any ‘rifles, shotguns or firearms’ that Korts may possess.

Porter set bail at $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond and granted Tonra’s requests. Korts will return to court at a later date to face the charges.