Brian Botsford, Attempted Enticement of a Child, New York 2020

Troy Man Charged With Attempted Enticement of a Child

ALBANY, NEW YORK – A 24-year-old man from Troy, New York, has been arrested and charged with attempting to entice or coerce a child.

Brian Botsford, 24, was taken into custody on Monday and faced a federal complaint charging him with attempted enticement of a child.

According to the allegations, between July 14, 2020 and August 10, 2020, Botsford exchanged sexually explicit text messages with an undercover investigator who was posing as a 13-year-old girl.

On August 10, 2020, Botsford traveled from Troy to Cohoes, New York, to meet and have sex with a 13-year-old child at a predetermined location. He was encountered by law enforcement and arrested.

Botsford made his initial appearance in court yesterday before United States Magistrate Judge Christian Hummel. Today, he waived his right to a detention hearing, subject to renewal of that right upon further notice.

The charge of attempted enticement of a child carries a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. This case is being investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, including investigators from the Colonie Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Williams.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Anyone with information about this defendant is encouraged to contact the FBI Albany Field Office at (518) 465-7551.

The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Brian Botsford is currently in custody and faces a significant sentence if convicted.

Mandatory Facts:

1. Defendant/Respondent Name: Brian Botsford

2. Exact Criminal Charge: Attempted Enticement of a Child

3. City and State: Troy, New York

4. Exact Date: July 14, 2020 to August 10, 2020

5. Sentence or Outcome: Currently in custody, facing up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life

6. Dollar Amounts: $250,000

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/troy-man-charged-attempted-enticement-child