CONTACT: Barbara Burns

PHONE: (716) 843-5817

FAX #: (716) 551-3051

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jeremy Custer, 36, of Norwich, NY, pleaded guilty to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 1) years in prison and a maximum of life. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard A. Resnick, who is handling the prosecution, stated that on September 14, 2018, an undercover New York State Police Investigator (UC) received a private message from “Fastmeet” user “Jeremy” on the UC’s Fastmeet undercover profile. Fastmeet is an application that can be downloaded on to a cellular telephone. The application allows users to communicate with other users and see their GPS location.

The UC’s undercover Fastmeet profile included a profile picture of a female child and listed her name as Jenny, her age as 13-years-old, and her GPS location as Henrietta, NY. The defendant’s profile listed him as 36-years-old and contained multiple pictures of a white male who appeared to be in his 30’s. The male pictured in the profile was later identified as Custer.

Between September 17, 2018, and September 22, 2018, the defendant and the UC exchanged text messages in which Custer attempted to coerce and entice the UC, who he believed was a 13-year-female, to engage in sexual activity. Some of the messages included:

• “What have you done with other guys? I’ve obviously been all the way and am not in any way expecting or wanting you to unless you feel you’re ready for it. There are a lot of other things we can do besides that or leading up to it.”

• “I like to get pictures and maybe videos, but again only if you’re comfortable sending them to me. I will promise I won’t show them to anyone else. Anything you want to send. They can be naked or dressed.”

• “Do you want me to spank and punish you or would you rather have me hug, kiss and admire your beauty?”

• “I would obviously love to be your first, but it certainly doesn't have to be tonight unless you're sure you want to.”

• “I’m getting lube and a couple different forms of contraceptives to minimize the risk of pregs.”

On September 22, 2018, the defendant made plans to go to the 13-year-old female child’s residence in Henrietta and pick her up. Custer advised he was on his way and that he had booked a hotel room for them. When the defendant arrived at the UC’s purported residence, he was arrested. In his vehicle, the defendant had contraceptive lubricants, lotions, and a “Plan B” oral contraceptive.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eric Laughton, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 24, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. before Judge Geraci.

 

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