Danbury Man Charged With Multiple Child Sex Offenses: Feds

DANBURY, CT — Federal prosecutors have charged a Danbury man with multiple child exploitation offenses.

According to the complaint, Wayne Marcell, 35, began communicating with a 14-year-old girl on video game and social media platforms earlier this year. In June, Marcell paid someone $2,000 to drive the girl from Texas to Illinois. Marcell then drove from Connecticut to Illinois, picked up the minor, and brought her to his home in Danbury. The complaint alleges that Marcell engaged in multiple illicit sexual acts with the minor victim, and took photos and videos of the sexual abuse.

The complaint charges Marcell with sexual exploitation of a child, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years; receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in illegal sexual activity, and conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

Acting U.S. Attorney Leonard Boyle stressed that a criminal complaint is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.