TOMS RIVER – A Louisiana man has been arrested and charged after traveling to Ocean County to have sex with a minor he met online, officials said.
Spencer W. Caudle, 34, of Prairieville, Louisiana, was charged with one count each of persuading, inducing, enticing, or coercing a minor through a facility of interstate commerce into prohibited sexual activity; interstate travel with the intent to engage in illicit conduct with a minor; and possession of child pornography.
According to officials, Caudle began interacting with the victim through an app in April this year.
“Caudle’s communications with the victim were sexual in nature despite the victim informing Caudle the victim’s minor status. Caudle even expressed nervousness about being on the television show ‘To Catch a Predator,’ but continued informing the victim of his desire to have sex with the victim,” officials said in a statement.
On May 26, Caudle traveled from Louisiana to the Toms River area and had sexual contact with the victim.
Local law enforcement became aware of Caudle’s prohibited sexual activity with the victim and began an investigation.
In June, an undercover law enforcement officer used the victim’s online account and communicated with Caudle. At that time, Caudle confirmed his prior sexual acts with the victim and expressed a desire for more.
Police said during that conversation, Caudle made plans to fly to New Jersey to commit additional sexual acts on the victim.
On June 16, Caudle flew from New Orleans, Louisiana to Newark Liberty International Airport, where he was taken into custody.
Detectives searched his laptop and found at least 10 images and five videos of child sexual abuse.
Caudle faces a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison for the charge of persuading, inducing, enticing, or coercing a minor into prohibited sexual activity through an internet-based chat application.
The charge of interstate travel with the intent to engage in illicit conduct with a minor carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Atlantic City, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel in Newark; the Ocean County Prosecutors Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer; and the Toms River Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief Mitchell A. Little, with the investigation leading to the complaint.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
