Austin Pratt, Enticement of a Minor, New York 2020

Austin Pratt, a 32-year-old resident of Conesus, NY, has pleaded guilty to enticement of a minor in a federal court in Rochester, New York.

The charge, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $250,000 fine, stems from an ongoing relationship Pratt had with a minor victim while working as a school athletic trainer.

Between November 2018 and February 2019, Pratt, utilizing Instagram and Facebook, communicated with the minor victim, encouraging the victim to engage in a sexual relationship and to exchange sexually explicit photos with him.

Pratt's guilty plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase; the Rochester Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; and the Livingston County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Gregory J. McCaffrey.

According to U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr., Pratt's actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the well-being and safety of a minor.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 11, 2021, at 3:30 p.m. before Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting minors from predators and the severe consequences that follow such actions.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/former-school-athletic-trainer-pleads-guilty-enticing-minor