Man arrested on sexual contact charge day after release from jail, New Milford cops say

Man, 38, allegedly solicited 16-year-old girl for sexually explicit photos

NEW MILFORD -- A New York man was arrested on child pornography and criminal sexual contact charges a day after he was released from jail on separate offenses in connection with a highway pursuit, borough police said Thursday.

The investigation began in February when a 16-year-old girl told police she met a man online and arranged to meet him in New Milford, according to Detective Kevin Van Saders. Investigators later identified the man as Michael DePalma, 38, of Nanuet.

When the teen met DePalma, he was allegedly engaged in lewd acts in his vehicle, Van Saders said.

Man on cocaine leads cops on chase, police say

DePalma also allegedly solicited the girl for sexually explicit photos and sent her lewd photos of himself, a statement from the detective said. He was arrested Tuesday, a day after being released from the Bergen County Jail on $50,000 bail, records show.

Authorities said DePalma was arrested Friday night for leading officers on a chase down from the Palisades Interstate Parkway after a hit-and-run crash in Rockland County, New York.

The chase ended at the George Washington Bridge, where officers found Xanax, cocaine and a straw used to inhale cocaine in DePalma's car, according to PIP Police. He was charged with eluding and various drug offenses in that case.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.