Thomas Perry Stultz Charged in Child Sex Sting

Thomas Perry Stultz, 36, of Ross Township, Pennsylvania, is facing federal charges for attempting to lure a minor into illegal sexual activity using the internet and cellular networks, federal prosecutors announced today. The indictment, returned April 24, 2019, charges Stultz with Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity — a crime that carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.

According to the one-count indictment, Stultz engaged in a weeks-long digital campaign between February 6, 2019, and April 5, 2019, using interstate communications to target a minor. Prosecutors allege he knowingly used the internet and cellular phone networks to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce the underage victim into engaging in sexual acts. The methods and platforms used were not detailed in the charging document, but federal authorities confirmed the investigation was initiated based on online surveillance.

The FBI led the investigation that culminated in the indictment, working under the umbrella of Project Safe Childhood — a Department of Justice initiative launched in 2006 to combat the rising tide of child sexual exploitation. The program combines federal, state, and local law enforcement efforts to identify predators, dismantle networks, and rescue victims. This case underscores the DOJ’s aggressive posture in monitoring and prosecuting online threats to minors.

Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is handling the prosecution. In a brief statement, she emphasized that attempts to exploit children, whether physical or digital, will be met with the full weight of federal law. “These crimes strike at the heart of family and community safety,” Grogan said. “We are committed to stopping predators before they can inflict real-world harm.”

Stultz remains presumed innocent under federal law until proven guilty. No prior criminal history was disclosed in the indictment. If convicted, however, the Federal Sentencing Guidelines will weigh the severity of the offense and any background factors in determining the final sentence. Given the nature of the charge, a lengthy prison term is likely.

This case serves as a stark reminder of how digital tools are weaponized by predators — and how federal agencies are adapting. The FBI urges parents and guardians to monitor children’s online interactions and report suspicious behavior. For more information on Project Safe Childhood and how to protect minors, visit www.justice.gov/psc.