Robert McAdam, Child Exploitation, New York 2020

ALBANY, NEW YORK - In a shocking case, 47-year-old Robert McAdam of Rutland, Vermont, was taken into custody on June 16, 2020, and charged with traveling across state lines with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor.

The arrest was announced by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

According to the complaint, Robert McAdam exchanged text messages with an undercover investigator who was posing as the adult father of a 15-year-old girl between February 7, 2019, and June 16, 2020. In these exchanges, McAdam discussed his interest in having sex with the girl. He then traveled to New York to meet with the undercover officer in person and arranged to have sex with the minor in a hotel room in Queensbury, New York.

On the same date, McAdam traveled from Vermont to a predetermined hotel room in Queensbury, where he was encountered by law enforcement and arrested.

Robert McAdam initially appeared in court on Monday before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel. Following a second hearing held today, Judge Hummel ordered McAdam detained.

The charge filed against Robert McAdam carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life.

This case is being investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, including investigators with the New York State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Williams.

This case is prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/vermont-man-charged-traveling-meet-minor-sex