Jesus Moore, Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct, New Hampshire 2024

A Lawrence man was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison for travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a student, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announced.

Jesus Moore, 36, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante to 121 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release. Moore previously pleaded guilty to one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

According to the charging documents and statements made in court, on March 7, 2022, Moore, a basketball coach at Lawrence High School, ordered a rideshare to transport a Lawrence High School student to the Super 8 Motel in Manchester, New Hampshire. Moore also traveled from Massachusetts to the Super 8 Motel. Moore provided the student with alcohol and then engaged in sexual conduct with the student when the student was incapable of consenting.

"Moore abused his position of trust as a teacher and coach to victimize a student," said United States Attorney Creegan. "Today's sentence reflects the severity of Moore's conduct. Our office, together with our law enforcement partners, remains dedicated to identifying and prosecuting those who exploit children."

Moore's actions were condemned by law enforcement officials, who emphasized the severity of the crime. "Moore grievously abused his position of trust. He transported a child to a motel across state lines, supplied them with alcohol, and committed assault," said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations New England.

The Department of Homeland Security, the Lawrence Police Department, and the Manchester Police Department led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski prosecuted the case.

Moore's sentence serves as a reminder of the consequences of exploiting children, and the efforts of law enforcement to protect them. "This successful investigation and prosecution reflects the critical teamwork between our law enforcement partners and a unified commitment to protecting children," said Chief of Police Peter Marr, Manchester Police Department.

In February 2006, the U.S. Attorney's Offices launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The project has led to the identification and prosecution of numerous individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as the rescue of victims.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nh/pr/former-school-employee-sentenced-121-months-federal-prison-travel-intent-engage-illicit