After a three-day trial, a federal jury convicted Stacey Lancaster, a 46-year-old Hudson resident, for attempting to sex traffic a minor. The operation took place on November 14, 2024, in Manchester and was part of a coordinated effort by federal and local law enforcement. Acting United States Attorney Jay McCormack announced the conviction.
Lancaster was found guilty of one count of attempted sex trafficking of a minor. United States District Court Judge Paul Barbadoro has ordered Lancaster to remain detained until sentencing, scheduled for August 18, 2025.
The investigation involved agents posting an advertisement on a website known for commercial sex ads. The ad featured images resembling two minor females and included a contact number monitored by law enforcement. During communications with Lancaster via text messages, an undercover agent claimed to have a 12-year-old girl available for sex acts in exchange for money. The agent provided Lancaster with the address of a Manchester hotel where he later met with another undercover agent. At this meeting, Lancaster confirmed possession of $100 as payment for the act and stated his intention to use protection.
The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations with support from the Manchester Police Department, New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, and New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Krasinski and Matthew Vicinanzo are handling prosecution duties.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse through collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies.
For further details about Project Safe Childhood visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
