CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Richard LaFrance, 35, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty, before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr., to enticement of a minor, which carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. C. Penrose, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant, who was 34 years-old at the time, met a 14-year-old minor victim in April of 2019, and began communicating with her via email and text message. The communications between LaFrance and the Minor Victim were sexually explicit and included the defendant requesting that the Minor Victim send him naked pictures. In addition, LaFrance met up with the Minor Victim on at least two occasions and engaged in sexual intercourse.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, and the Chautauqua County Sherriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James B. Quattrone.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 9, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. before Judge Sinatra.
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