STAFF REPORTS
ROCHESTER — U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Charlie P. Conant, 27, of Syracuse, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with online enticement of a minor. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a maximum of life.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on February 27, 2018, an undercover New York State Police Investigator (UC) discovered a personal ad on a Syracuse, NY, website that appeared to be targeting minors for sex.
The UC responded to the ad via email, posing as a 12-year-old female. The UC wrote, “Hi!! Idk if Im 2 young for u but wanted 2 say hi! Soooo hi!!! Lmao :).” The defendant responded, “Hey how you doin? How old are you? What do you want to get into? Can I see pics of you?” After the UC responded, I’ll b 13 in a few months,” Conant responded, “That’s perfect. I’d love to see pics of you.” The UC sent a picture to the defendant who asked for more pictures. Communication between the UC and Conant via text message. The defendant also continued to ask for more pictures including naked photos.
There was no communication between Conant and the UC between March 29, 2018, and May 15, 2018. On that date, the defendant sent a text message to the UC stating “I really miss you princess.” The UC responded, “Thought u forgot bout me.” The UC and the defendant continued to communicate via text message. During the exchanges, Conant indicated that he wanted to meet with the child in Seneca Falls, NY, for the purpose of having sex. On June 14, 2018, the defendant traveled to Seneca Falls to meet the UC while “the minor’s” grandmother was supposedly at work. After Conant arrived, he was arrested.
The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan W. Feldman and is being held pending a detention hearing on June 21, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Richard Allen, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.
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