Nathaniel Drescher, a 41-year-old resident of Latham, New York, was arraigned last Thursday following an indictment on charges of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. He is also accused of committing a felony offense against a minor as a registered sex offender. Drescher remains detained pending trial.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
According to the indictment, Drescher allegedly tried to persuade and entice a child he believed to be 11 years old into sexual activity. This incident follows his 2012 convictions in Johnson County, Texas, for online solicitation of a minor. The charges are accusations at this stage; Drescher is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
United States Attorney Sarcone commented: “This conduct, as alleged, was especially egregious because the defendant had committed a similar offense before in Texas. With our state and federal law enforcement partners, we will continue to ensure that sex offenders are prosecuted to the fullest extent to the law when they commit new crimes.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli stated: “This indictment proves crimes against our most vulnerable will be met with swift and decisive action. The FBI, together with our law enforcement partners, is committed to protecting children and bringing predators like Mr. Drescher to justice.”
If found guilty on all counts, Drescher could face between 20 years and life imprisonment along with fines up to $250,000 and supervised release ranging from five years to life. Sentencing would be determined by statutes violated and other factors considered by a judge. Additionally, upon release from prison, he would have to register again as a sex offender.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force with assistance from the New York State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Allen J. Vickey is prosecuting under Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood aims to combat child sexual exploitation through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local resources focused on locating perpetrators using the Internet while rescuing victims.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
