Matthew D. Lincoln, 37, of Henrietta, NY, is behind bars on federal charges after authorities say he attempted to meet a 16-year-old girl for sex—part of a calculated online grooming operation that ended with his arrest at a Brighton rendezvous. The former head coach of the Golden Comets Swim Club was taken into custody Friday by federal and local law enforcement following weeks of sexually explicit online conversations with what he believed was a teenage girl.
Charged by criminal complaint with enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, Lincoln now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, up to life, and a $250,000 fine. The case, handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Gestring, began after the father of an 11-year-old girl in Brighton reported that Lincoln had contacted his daughter online. That initial red flag triggered a joint undercover operation involving the Brighton Police Department and the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force.
Over several weeks, Lincoln engaged in graphic digital exchanges with an undercover investigator posing as a 16-year-old girl. According to court documents, he repeatedly pushed to meet in person for sexual purposes, sent multiple nude photos of himself—including a full-length image—and even purchased gifts in preparation. Items including a stuffed teddy bear, a heart-shaped box of chocolates, and a card were found in his nearby apartment, laid out as if anticipating a romantic encounter with a child.
When Lincoln arrived at the designated meeting spot in Brighton, expecting to meet the teenager, he was instead met by law enforcement. He was arrested without incident. During a post-arrest interview, Lincoln admitted he believed he was communicating with a real 16-year-old girl, acknowledged sending explicit messages, and confirmed his intent to engage in sexual activity upon meeting her.
U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. emphasized the broader warning: “Yesterday’s arrest reminds each of us that we must remain vigilant in protecting the youths of our society. Together with our federal, state and local partners, we will do all that we can to ensure that those who prey upon our children are brought to justice.”
FBI Buffalo Acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin P. Lyons praised the swift response of the Brighton Police, stating, “They acted quickly on a parent’s complaint and took the necessary initiative to ensure that Matthew Lincoln was investigated and removed from the environment where our children live and play each day.” The investigation also included the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, Rochester Police Department, New York State Police, and federal task force units. Lincoln made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson on February 15, 2018, and remains in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for February 22, 2018. The criminal complaint is an accusation; Lincoln is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Related Federal Cases
- DeRuyter Man Pleads Guilty to Luring 12-Year-Old for Sex · New York
- Broome County Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Luring 13-Year-Old · New York
- David J. Rancourt Pleads Guilty to Luring Teen, Child Porn Charges · Massachusetts
- Fresno Man Nabbed in NY: Enticed 14-Year-Old · New York
- Troy Predator Botsford Gets 10 Years for Targeting 13-Year-Old · New York
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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