ALBANY, NY – Zachary Long, 23, of Scotia, New York, was arrested on September 27 on charges of attempting to coerce and entice a minor for sexual conduct.
The criminal complaint alleges that from August 22 to September 27, Long communicated via text messages with an individual in Albany, discussing plans to engage in sexual activities with a minor. Law enforcement apprehended Long at the agreed-upon meeting location on September 27. Long is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
United States Magistrate Daniel J. Stewart ordered that Long be held in custody pending trial. The charges against Long carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum life sentence, a fine of up to $250,000, and supervised release for a term ranging from five years to life. If convicted, Long will also be required to register as a sex offender.
The FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes investigators from the Colonie Police Department, are overseeing the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Allen J. Vickey is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative aimed at protecting children from online exploitation and abuse.