Wyoming County Man Sentenced for Attempted Sex With Minor

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – A Wyoming County man faces a grim fate after being caught in a web of deceit and child exploitation. Daniel Hays, 42, from Bliss, NY, was sentenced to serve five years in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for his despicable attempt to have sex with an 11-year-old girl.

Hays, who has been convicted of attempted receipt of child pornography, engaged in sexually explicit online and text conversations with what he thought was a young girl. In fact, the ‘child’ was an undercover New York State Police Investigator working in collaboration with Homeland Security. The investigation revealed Hays had planned to meet the victim at her home, driving two hours from Bliss.

The encounter was thwarted when Hays was arrested upon arrival. He was found with candy intended as a gift for the minor he sought to abuse. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Rossi, who prosecuted the case, highlighted the gravity of Hays’ actions, emphasizing that his intention to have sex with an underage child is a severe offense.

This sentencing follows an extensive investigation by the New York State Police and Homeland Security Investigations, led by Major Barry Chase and Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino. U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr., presided over the hearing, ensuring justice was served for the innocent victim.

Barbara Burns from the Department of Justice’s USAO in New York is available for contact regarding any further inquiries, with phone: (716) 843-5817 and fax: (716) 551-3051.

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