In a significant victory against online predators, Canadian citizen Jonathan Woodworth, 45, from Riverside-Albert, New Brunswick, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for attempting to entice and coerce a 10-year-old child into sexual activity. The sentencing, delivered on January 19, 2023, serves as a stern warning and underscores the relentless pursuit of justice against those who exploit minors. Carla B. Freedman, the US Attorney for the Northern District of New York, and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albany Field Office, jointly announced this landmark decision.
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Depraved Scheme Uncovered
Between June 23 and September 28, 2022, Woodworth engaged in a reprehensible scheme, exchanging sexually explicit messages with an undercover agent he believed was the mother of a 10-year-old girl. Little did he know, he was ensnared in an undercover investigation by a child exploitation task force involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
The task force, consisting of the FBI, the Colonie Police Department, Rotterdam Police Department, and the New York State Police, meticulously monitored Woodworth’s attempts to entice the minor.
A sting operation was executed upon his arrival in Rensselaer County, New York, resulting in his immediate arrest at the Rensselaer train station.
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Severe Consequences and Project Safe Childhood
As part of his guilty plea, Woodworth faces a 12-year federal prison sentence and an additional 15-year post-imprisonment supervision term. He is also mandated to register as a sex offender and may face deportation after serving his sentence. This stringent sentencing underscores the Northern District of New York’s commitment to Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative combating online child exploitation.
This case emphasizes the dedication of Project Safe Childhood, a collaborative effort between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section. Established in 2006, the initiative actively collaborates with federal, state, and local resources to protect children from online exploitation, apprehend perpetrators, and ensure justice for victims. This case serves as a stark reminder of the unwavering commitment to safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society – our children.
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