In a disturbing case of child exploitation, 36-year-old Nicholas Turnquist of West Falls, New York, has pleaded guilty to transporting and attempting to transport a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $250,000 fine.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maeve E. Huggins, Paul E. Bonanno, and Jonathan P. Cantil, who are handling the case, Turnquist began sexually abusing a minor female victim, known to him, in 2012. The abuse occurred in New York State and in other states, including Pennsylvania, and in Canada.
On December 23, 2014, Turnquist transported the victim, a then 16-year-old minor female, from New York to Pennsylvania, to engage in sexual activity.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, the East Aurora Police Department, under the direction of Chief Shane Krieger, and the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Gregory Rudolph.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 20, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
This case highlights the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their heinous crimes and protecting the vulnerable victims of child exploitation.
Related Federal Cases
- Matthew Ronk Charged with Child Exploitation Crimes, Scranton PA, 2024 · Pennsylvania
- David Lettieri, Enticement of a Minor, New York 2024 · New York
- Joseph Keller, Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography, Pennsylvania 2011 · New York
- Stephen Nicholas Westcott, Child Sexual Exploitation, Maryland 2025 · New York
- Broome County Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Luring 13-Year-Old · Massachusetts
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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