A Sussex County man has been convicted of attempting to engage in sexual activity with someone he believed was a minor, according to an announcement by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice.
Larry M. Noel, 49, from Stanhope, New Jersey, was found guilty on charges of luring, attempted sexual assault, and attempted endangering the welfare of a child. The verdict came after a trial before Superior Court Judge Christopher R. Kazlau in Bergen County.
Attorney General Platkin stated: “Sexual crimes and attempts against children are among the most difficult but important matters our office has to deal with—these operations protect children and that’s why we take part in them. Thanks to the excellent work of our Division of Criminal Justice, the New Jersey State Police, and our local law enforcement partners, we have convicted another predator.”
DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton added: “The easy access and anonymity afforded by the internet can make it a dangerous place for our children. The conviction we are announcing today shows our resolve in bringing these defendants to justice. This defendant will now face serious consequences for his actions.”
Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, commented: “This conviction makes one thing unmistakably clear: anyone who attempts to harm a child or endanger their welfare will be held fully accountable. The defendant’s predatory actions posed a grave threat to our most vulnerable, and there is no place in our communities for individuals who choose to exploit or victimize children. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of our detectives and the strong coordination among our law enforcement partners, this individual has been stopped and brought to justice.”
According to case documents and trial evidence, on April 11, 2019 Noel contacted an undercover officer who was posing as a 14-year-old through a social media app. He misrepresented himself as being 29 years old and expressed intent to meet with the supposed minor for sexual acts at a location in Bergen County where he was subsequently arrested.
The operation was conducted through collaboration between multiple agencies including the Division of Criminal Justice, New Jersey State Police, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office as part of “Operation Home Alone,” under the umbrella of the New Jersey Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC). The ICAC program consists of coordinated task forces nationwide focused on investigating online child exploitation cases involving more than 3,500 federal, state and local agencies.
Deputy Attorneys General John Donovan and Danielle Scarduzio prosecuted the case alongside Trial Analyst Yasan Chin and Trial Detective Janel Tjiong.
Noel was represented by defense counsel Alissa D. Hascup Esq., from Little Falls.
