Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice announced today that a Sussex County, New Jersey, man was convicted of attempting to engage in the sexual assault of someone he believed was a minor.
Larry M. Noel, 49, of Stanhope, New Jersey, was found guilty of one count each of luring (second degree), attempted sexual assault (second degree), and attempted endangering the welfare of a child, impairing/debauching the morals of a child (third degree). Noel was convicted following a trial before Superior Court Judge Christopher R. Kazlau in Bergen County, New Jersey.
“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,” said Attorney General Platkin. “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.”
“The easy access and anonymity afforded by the internet can make it a dangerous place for our children,” said DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton. “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.”
“This conviction makes one thing unmistakably clear: anyone who attempts to harm a child or endanger their welfare will be held fully accountable,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “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 documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial, on April 11, 2019, Noel contacted an undercover officer who was posing as a 14-year-old on a social media application. Noel identified himself as a 29-year-old man. Noel asked if the “child” wanted to meet, and indicated he would like to perform sexual acts on them. Noel arranged to meet the “child” at a predetermined location in Bergen County. When Noel arrived at the predetermined time and location, he was arrested.
This operation was spearheaded by a partnership of the Division of Criminal Justice, the New Jersey State Police, and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, as part of “Operation Home Alone.” It was conducted by the New Jersey Regional Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, which includes members of the New Jersey State Police, New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, and numerous state, county, and local police agencies. The ICAC Task Force Program is a national network of 67 coordinated task forces representing over 3,500 federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies. These agencies conduct proactive and reactive investigations and prosecutions of persons involved in child abuse and exploitation involving the internet.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy Attorneys General John Donovan and Danielle Scarduzio, Trial Analyst Yasan Chin, and Trial Detective Janel Tjiong.