Noel McFadden, Child Sex Exploitation, OK 2024

A 71-year-old Broken Arrow man has admitted to sexually exploiting a child under the age of 12, coercing the minor into taking graphic photographs of her genitals with a cellphone he provided. Noel McFadden pleaded guilty Monday before Chief U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell on one count of sexual exploitation of a child, according to U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

The crime dates back to April 2017, when McFadden used manipulation and control to force the young victim to produce sexually explicit images. The device used in the commission of the crime was a cellphone supplied by McFadden himself, placing him at the center of the illegal act. His plea agreement includes full admission of these facts, sealing his criminal liability.

McFadden now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison, with a maximum penalty of 30 years behind bars. He may also be fined up to $250,000 at sentencing, which is scheduled for May 16, 2018. Federal prosecutors are pushing for the harshest penalties under the law, citing the vulnerability of the victim and the predatory nature of the crime.

“This prosecution is another example of law enforcement dedicating their professional lives to protecting those who cannot protect themselves,” said United States Attorney Shores. “Predators will be prosecuted, and most importantly, held accountable by my office.”

The case was investigated jointly by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Broken Arrow Police Department, combining local insight with federal muscle. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Gallant is leading the prosecution, ensuring every legal avenue is pursued to secure justice for the victim.

This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative launched in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation. Through coordinated efforts between federal, state, and local agencies, the program targets online predators and works to rescue child victims. More information is available at www.justice.gov/psc.

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