NY Man Indicted: Traveled to NOLA for Teen Sex

NEW ORLEANS, LA – A 66-year-old man from Schenectady, New York, is facing decades behind bars after being indicted by a federal grand jury in New Orleans on charges of traveling across state lines with the intent to commit a heinous act. Peter Nealon stands accused of exploiting a minor, allegedly traveling to Louisiana to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a fifteen-year-old female.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the indictment on May 9, 2024, detailing a disturbing pattern of behavior spanning from approximately July 17, 2023, to March 27, 2024. The indictment alleges that Nealon flew from Albany, New York, to New Orleans specifically for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with the underage victim, believing her to be fifteen years old. The details of how the contact was initiated are not yet public, but investigators are reportedly tracing digital footprints and communication records.

If convicted of the charge – interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2423(b) – Nealon faces a potential sentence of up to thirty (30) years in federal prison. Beyond imprisonment, the charges carry significant post-conviction consequences, including a minimum of five (5) years and potentially a lifetime of supervised release. He also risks a hefty fine of up to $250,000, along with a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

Federal prosecutors are also pursuing potential sex offender registration requirements for Nealon, should he be found guilty. U.S. Attorney Evans was quick to emphasize that the indictment represents only an accusation, and the burden of proof rests squarely with the prosecution. “An indictment is merely a charge,” Evans stated, “and the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.”

This case is being prosecuted under the umbrella of “Project Safe Childhood,” a nationwide Department of Justice initiative launched in 2006 aimed at combating the escalating crisis of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project leverages the combined resources of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to identify, apprehend, and prosecute predators who target children, particularly through internet-based crimes. Information on Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the prosecution handled by Assistant United States Attorney Briana Williams of the Narcotics Unit and Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it progresses through the federal court system and will provide updates as new information becomes available. The victim’s identity is being withheld to protect her privacy.