Neil A. Frank, Child Related Sex Crimes, Wisconsin 2020

Registered Sex Offender Indicted for Child Related Sex Crimes in Wisconsin

In a disturbing case of child exploitation, a 35-year-old registered sex offender from Appleton, Wisconsin, has been indicted on four counts of child related sex crimes. Neil A. Frank, a resident of Appleton, was charged with using a computer to attempt to entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity, as well as transferring obscene material to a minor.

Frank, who was convicted of attempted possession of child pornography in 2012, is required to register as a sexual offender under the laws of the State of Wisconsin. Based on his prior record, Frank faces a mandatory 20 years' imprisonment and up to life sentence if convicted of the charges.

According to the indictment, Frank allegedly used a computer to attempt to entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity, contrary to Title 18, United States Code, Section 2422(b). He is also charged with two counts of committing a felony sex offense as an individual required to register as a sexual offender in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2260A.

The case was investigated by the Fox Valley Metropolitan Police Department with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Frank's indictment serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting children from exploitation and abuse. As part of our ongoing efforts to combat child sex crimes, the Grimy Times will continue to report on cases like this to raise awareness and bring perpetrators to justice.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edwi/pr/registered-sex-offender-indicted-child-related-sex-crimes