A Sussex County man has been convicted of attempting to sexually assault a person he believed was a minor, according to an announcement from Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice.
Larry M. Noel, 49, from Stanhope, New Jersey, was found guilty in Bergen County Superior Court on charges including luring, attempted sexual assault, and attempted endangering the welfare of a child. The verdict followed a trial before Judge Christopher R. Kazlau.
“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.”
DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton commented on the risks posed by online anonymity: “The easy access and anonymity afforded by the internet can make it a dangerous place for our children. 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, stated: “This conviction makes one thing unmistakably clear: anyone who attempts to harm a child or endanger their welfare will be held fully accountable. 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.”
Court documents show that on April 11, 2019, Noel contacted an undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old through a social media app. He misrepresented his age as 29 years old and asked if they could meet with intent to perform sexual acts. After arranging a meeting at a location in Bergen County, Noel was arrested upon arrival.
The investigation was led by the Division of Criminal Justice alongside the New Jersey State Police and Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office as part of “Operation Home Alone.” The operation was conducted under the New Jersey Regional Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force—a national program involving over 3,500 agencies across various levels working together on cases related to child exploitation online.
Deputy Attorneys General John Donovan and Danielle Scarduzio prosecuted the case with support from Trial Analyst Yasan Chin and Trial Detective Janel Tjiong.
Noel was represented by Alissa D. Hascup Esq., based in Little Falls, New Jersey.
