SYRACUSE, NY – Bruce Wakker, 68, of Syracuse, has been found guilty of trying to lure a minor for illegal sexual activities and attempting to send inappropriate materials to a minor. This conviction comes after a 3-day trial. The announcement was provided by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Alfred A. Watson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Trial evidence revealed that between November 2019 and June 2020, Wakker exchanged numerous sexually explicit text messages with individuals he thought were a 9-year-old girl and her mother. Wakker discussed engaging in various sexual activities with the child in these texts and even sent the minor explicit images.
He had organized an in-person meeting with the supposed mother and child, driving from Syracuse to New York Mills for the purpose of engaging in a sexual act with the 9-year-old. Authorities arrested him shortly after he reached the location.
Wakker’s sentencing is slated for February 28, 2024, with United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby in Syracuse presiding.
The charges against Wakker carry a minimum prison term of 10 years, with a potential life sentence, a fine of up to $250,000, and a supervised release period ranging from 5 years to life. Furthermore, he will be required to register as a sex offender. The sentence will be determined by a judge, taking into account the specific statute violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other relevant factors.