BUFFALO, N.Y. – Brett Schultz, 37, of Buffalo, is facing a lifetime behind bars after being arrested yesterday for attempting to exploit a child online. The arrest, announced by Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr., comes after a chilling exchange with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a teenager.
According to court documents, Schultz initiated contact on March 10, 2017, believing he was messaging a 14 or 15-year-old girl. He quickly steered the conversation towards inappropriate territory, asking, “You like older men?” When the undercover officer responded affirmatively, Schultz didn’t hesitate, replying, “Nice well ill spoil you if your a good girl to me.” The conversation quickly devolved, with Schultz probing the officer’s age, and seemingly relieved when told the officer was “almost 16.”
The digital depravity didn’t stop there. Later that same day, Schultz brazenly sent a nude photograph of himself to the undercover officer via text message. He then repeatedly demanded sexual images in return. On March 11, 2017, the defendant doubled down, sending *three* more explicit images and continuing his requests. The pair even discussed meeting, with Schultz attempting to establish secrecy, stating, “our secret right?”
But Schultz, in his desperation, revealed his fear of consequences. When questioned about the officer’s age, he responded, “I’m not mad just don’t want trouble.” Later, as they made plans to meet, he confessed, “Yes I don’t want to go to jail i have a son a house and a life.” Those concerns weren’t enough to stop him. On March 12, 2017, at approximately 7:10 p.m., Schultz drove to a local coffee shop, where he was promptly arrested by special agents with Homeland Security Investigations.
Schultz is charged with enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, attempted enticement of a minor, and transferring obscene matter to a minor. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life. He was ordered detained following a hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan P. Cantil is prosecuting the case.
The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly. It’s a grim reminder that predators lurk in the digital shadows, and law enforcement is actively working to bring them to justice. A charge is not a conviction; Schultz is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Related Federal Cases
- Buffalo Police Fatality Under Scrutiny by NY AG’s OSI · Minnesota
- Buffalo Officer Lance Woods Arraigned for Murder · New York
- Mean Arms Enabled Buffalo Shooter: $1.75M Settlement · Georgia
- Sununu Declares War on Trump’s GOP Grip · New Hampshire
- Wall Street Bailout: NY & CA Lose $2 Trillion · North Carolina
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News