CONCORD, NH – Jean Fouad Yazbek, 63, of Norwood, Massachusetts, has admitted to crossing state lines with a sickening intent: to exploit a child. Yazbek pleaded guilty in federal court today to traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, a charge stemming from a chilling undercover operation.
The case, spearheaded by the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force in October 2018, revealed a calculated predator at work. Detectives created an online persona of a 15-year-old girl (“UC”) in Nashua, NH. Yazbek, like other depraved individuals, quickly began messaging the fake account. Over a week, from October 2nd to 8th, he engaged in increasingly sexually-charged conversations, openly discussing his desire for intercourse with what he believed was a vulnerable teenager.
On October 8th, Yazbek drove from Massachusetts to Nashua, intending to meet “UC” at a local hotel. Instead of a minor, he was met by law enforcement. His pre-planning was disturbingly thorough. According to investigators, Yazbek had already checked into a hotel room and filled it with tools of exploitation: a new phone, a teddy bear – a pathetic attempt at seeming harmless – undergarments, and a backpack containing shaving equipment, lubricant, and condoms. He willingly consented to a search of the room, revealing the items he’d meticulously prepared.
“Protecting the children of New Hampshire from predators is a very high priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” stated U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray. “Those who seek to prey on the innocent frequently use the internet as a tool to advance their criminal intentions. Working through Project Safe Childhood, we will remain vigilant in coordinating law enforcement efforts to arrest and prosecute offenders against children.” The investigation highlights the grim reality of online grooming and the tireless work of ICAC task forces.
Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations, Boston, emphasized the collaborative effort: “We’re glad that, through great federal, state and local law enforcement teamwork, this sexual predator has now been brought to justice. This result could never have happened without the solid, critical teamwork of our dedicated partners on the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Nashua Police Department.” The investigation involved the Nashua Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations, alongside the ICAC Task Force.
Yazbek is scheduled to be sentenced on August 30, 2019. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le is prosecuting the case. This case underscores the importance of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 to combat online exploitation of children. For more information on Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. This predator’s attempt to hide behind a screen failed, but countless others remain active online – a constant threat demanding unwavering vigilance.
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Key Facts
- State: New Hampshire
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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