David Gruber, a 39-year-old from Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, was arrested in Albany, New York. Authorities charged him with crossing state lines intending to engage in illegal sexual activities with a minor. The arrest announcement came from United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, FBI Special Agent Craig L. Tremaroli of the Albany Field Office, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James.

The criminal complaint reveals that Gruber began discussions in November 2024 with an individual regarding plans to abuse a person he believed was a nine-year-old child in Albany County, New York. Gruber allegedly planned to travel from Pennsylvania to Albany County and pay $300 for this purpose. He was arrested on December 5, 2024, at a predetermined meeting place in Albany with $460 cash on him.

Gruber made his initial court appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart on December 6 and was detained. He could face up to 30 years in prison, fines reaching $250,000, supervised release between five years and life, and mandatory sex offender registration if convicted.

The investigation is being conducted by the FBI and New York State Police while Assistant United States Attorney Matthew M. Paulbeck prosecutes the case under Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is an initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006. It aims to combine federal, state, and local resources to locate and prosecute those exploiting children online while also identifying victims for rescue.

For further information about Project Safe Childhood: https://www.justice.gov/psc