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Sussex County Man Convicted of Attempted Sexual Assault of Child in Internet Sting
Stanhope resident found guilty in Bergen County court following undercover operation targeting online child exploitation.
A Sussex County man has been convicted on multiple charges after attempting to sexually assault someone he believed to be a minor, following an undercover law enforcement operation in Bergen County, state officials announced.
Larry M. Noel, 49, of Stanhope, was found guilty of second-degree luring, second-degree attempted sexual assault, and third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child, impairing or debauching the morals of a child. The conviction followed a trial before Superior Court Judge Christopher R. Kazlau in Bergen County Superior Court.
According to the Office of the Attorney General and the Division of Criminal Justice, the charges stem from an incident on April 11, 2019. On that date, Noel allegedly contacted an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 14-year-old on a social media application. Prosecutors said Noel identified himself as a 29-year-old man and engaged in conversations that included discussions of sexual activity.
Authorities said Noel arranged to meet the individual he believed to be a minor at a predetermined location in Bergen County. When he arrived at the agreed-upon time and place, he was arrested by law enforcement officers.
“Sexual crimes and attempts against children are among the most difficult but important matters our office has to deal with—these operations protect children and that’s why we take part in them,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Thanks to the excellent work of our Division of Criminal Justice, the New Jersey State Police, and our local law enforcement partners, we have convicted another predator.”
Division of Criminal Justice Director Theresa L. Hilton said the case highlights the risks children face online and the role of proactive investigations.
“The easy access and anonymity afforded by the internet can make it a dangerous place for our children,” said DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton. “The conviction we are announcing today shows our resolve in bringing these defendants to justice. This defendant will now face serious consequences for his actions.”
Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, said the conviction reflects coordinated law enforcement efforts.
“This conviction makes one thing unmistakably clear: anyone who attempts to harm a child or endanger their welfare will be held fully accountable,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “The defendant’s predatory actions posed a grave threat to our most vulnerable, and there is no place in our communities for individuals who choose to exploit or victimize children. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of our detectives and the strong coordination among our law enforcement partners, this individual has been stopped and brought to justice.”
The investigation was conducted as part of Operation Home Alone, a joint initiative involving the Division of Criminal Justice, the New Jersey State Police, and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. The operation was carried out by the New Jersey Regional Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, which includes members from state, county, and local law enforcement agencies. The ICAC Task Force Program is a national network of 67 task forces representing more than 3,500 agencies focused on combating online child exploitation.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy Attorneys General John Donovan and Danielle Scarduzio, with assistance from Trial Analyst Yasan Chin and Trial Detective Janel Tjiong.
