Officials in New York announced the arrest of Charles E. Hustis III for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As alleged, Charles Hustis used his social media account in an attempt to persuade an innocent minor victim to meet with him and perform sexual acts. Sexualizing and preying on minors is unconscionable. Our Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners at all levels of government to keep our children safe and stop those who seek to take advantage of them.”
Sheriff Robert L. Langley Jr. said: “This is another example of why all law enforcement agencies should continue to work together at the local and federal levels in order to better serve their communities. The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department looks forward to continuing our already good working relationship with the FBI and other federal agencies.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint:
Between at least on or about December 8, 2019, and December 16, 2019, Hustis, a former teacher and public official in Cold Spring, New York, communicated over Facebook Messenger with a 16-year-old victim (“Victim-1”). During these communications, Hustis sent Victim-1 sexual images, including photographs of himself, and attempted to arrange a meeting with Victim-1 with the understanding that Hustis and Victim-1 would perform various sexual acts. Hustis was arrested by law enforcement officers on December 16, 2019, after he arrived at a meeting location that he had arranged with Victim-1, expecting to bring Victim-1 back to his apartment for sexual activity.
Hustis, 36, of Cold Spring, New York, is charged with one count of attempted enticement of a minor, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
