Anthony Weber, 35, of Grand Island, New York, has been charged with enticement of a minor, a crime that carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $250,000 fine.
According to the complaint, in April 2017, a 15-year-old girl began communicating with Weber via Facebook. The girl responded to an advertisement seeking workers for a week-long cleanup effort that would pay $10.00/hour. Over the course of two days, the girl and Weber discussed the girl possibly working for Weber over the summer, and the girl advised she was still in high school.
In subsequent conversations, Weber offered the girl alcohol, marijuana, and crack cocaine. At one point, Weber advised the girl that he wanted to ‘try u or 1 of ur friends.’ The girl replied ‘wdym’ (what do you mean), and Weber wrote, ‘If need some lovin.’ The girl replied that she just wanted some drugs and did not want to have sex. Weber replied ‘that’s no good.’
The investigation was conducted by the City of Tonawanda Police, under the direction of Chief William Strassburg, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Adam S. Cohen. Weber was taken into custody on October 11, 2017, after meeting with an individual he believed to be the 15-year-old girl at a 7-Eleven store in Tonawanda.
Weber made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was released on bond.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and Weber is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Contact Barbara Burns at (716) 843-5817 or (716) 551-3051 for more information.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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