Long Island healthcare executive Jacob Walden indicted on federal child exploitation charges

Jacob Walden, 38, a co-owner and executive of Emerald Healthcare, has been indicted on six federal charges for alleged child exploitation offenses, authorities revealed Wednesday. 

Walden’s company operates nursing homes across the country. He was arrested and remains in a Brooklyn federal jail after pleading not guilty during a hearing in Central Islip, New York.

Federal investigators allege that Walden contacted 11 teenage girls, aged 14 to 17, on social media, enticing them to create explicit content in exchange for payment. He reportedly directed the victims to follow specific instructions and used coercive tactics to obtain the material.

Prosecutors detailed in court documents that Walden engaged in ongoing illegal activity by obtaining content from these minors through online communication platforms. The investigation revealed evidence that Walden had facilitated these actions across state lines, raising concerns about the scale of the offenses.

U.S. Attorney John Durham commented, “The defendant targeted minors for exploitative purposes, and our office is committed to ensuring accountability for such conduct. Protecting children from harm remains one of our highest priorities.”

Walden faces six charges, including two counts of exploiting a minor and additional counts related to illegal online activity involving minors. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years.

Law enforcement agencies continue to encourage the public to report suspicious online activity involving minors to prevent further exploitation and ensure justice for victims.