David J. Rancourt, 61, of Palmer, Massachusetts, stood in a federal courtroom in Albany, New York, and admitted to trying to lure a 14-year-old boy into sexual acts — a crime that began with a twisted online ad titled “Dad looking for a son.” Rancourt pleaded guilty to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, along with charges of distributing, receiving, and possessing child pornography. The plea marks the end of a digital trail of depravity that led straight to his phone and doorstep.
The sordid scheme unfolded when Rancourt initiated contact through email and instant messages with a law enforcement officer posing as the underage boy. The undercover officer, with the Colonie Police Department, engaged Rancourt in graphic sexual role-play discussions — conversations Rancourt not only welcomed but escalated. Believing he was arranging a meeting with a minor, Rancourt traveled to Albany, New York, to meet the “teen” at a prearranged location, where he was promptly arrested by federal agents.
During the investigation, authorities discovered that Rancourt had exchanged child pornography using a phone-based messaging app. Explicit images were recovered from his device, confirming he both received and possessed illegal material depicting children. The digital evidence painted a clear picture: Rancourt wasn’t just role-playing — he was actively participating in the sexual exploitation of minors.
Rancourt now faces a lifetime behind bars. On the enticement charge alone, he could serve a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison. For distributing and receiving child pornography, he faces an additional 5 to 20 years. He also risks a fine of up to $250,000, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and a post-imprisonment supervised release lasting between 5 years and the rest of his life. U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino will hand down the sentence on March 23, 2017.
This case was a joint operation between the FBI’s Albany Division and the Colonie Police Department, highlighting the dangerous reach of predators using the internet to target the vulnerable. Assistant U.S. Attorney Solomon B. Shinerock is leading the prosecution, ensuring Rancourt is held fully accountable under federal law. The investigation exemplifies the aggressive coordination between local and federal agencies in combating child exploitation.
The case falls under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative led by U.S. Attorneys to dismantle networks that prey on children online. Since its inception, the program has prioritized the arrest and prosecution of individuals who use digital platforms to groom, exploit, and abuse minors. For more information on Project Safe Childhood, visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Related Federal Cases
- Jason Michael Wolf Sentenced in Child Sex Trafficking Case · Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Man Faces 15+ Years for Child Porn, Gun Trafficking · Massachusetts
- Pelosi Gets 37 Months for Skipping Sex Offender Registry · Massachusetts
- Worcester Sex Offender Moriarty Admits Registration Failure · Massachusetts
- Anthony Robertson Charged with Sex Offender Registration Violation · Massachusetts
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Sex CrimesSex CrimesSex CrimesSex Crimes