Louisiana Man Who Flew To NJ For Sex With Teen Faces Federal Charges: US Attorney

TRENTON, NJ — A Louisiana man who flew to New Jersey to sexually assault a 14-year-old from Toms River is now facing federal charges in the case, the U.S. Attorney's office announced Thursday.

Spencer W. Caudle, 34, of Prairieville, Louisiana, is charged with one count each of persuading, inducing, enticing, or coercing a minor through a facility of interstate commerce into prohibited sexual activity; interstate travel with the intent to engage in illicit conduct with a minor; and possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said.

Caudle appeared in federal court in Trenton before U.S. Magistrate Rukhsanah L. Singh on Tuesday and is being held in jail, authorities said.

Caudle was arrested June 16 at Newark Liberty International Airport, when he arrived from Louisiana to have sex with the teen for a second time, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billheimer said. He was charged in Ocean County with sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, luring and enticing of a child, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Caudle first traveled to the Toms River area on May 27 and had sexual contact with the teen, whom Caudle had been communicating with through the Whispr messaging application, Billhimer said.

The federal charging document said Caudle started talking with the teen online in April and discussing sex despite the victim informing Caudle of being 14, the prosecutor said.

"Caudle even expressed nervousness about being on the television show 'To Catch a Predator,' but continued informing the victim of his desire to have sex with the victim," federal authorities said.

On May 26, Caudle drove from Louisiana to meet and have sex with the victim in Toms River, and committed sexual acts on the victim on May 27, then drove back to Louisiana.

Federal authorities said local law enforcement learned of Caudle’s assault and began an investigation.

In June, an undercover law enforcement officer assumed the victim’s online and cellular presence and communicated with Caudle, who confirmed his prior sexual acts with the victim and expressed a desire for further sexual activity. While communicating with the undercover officer, Caudle made plans to fly to New Jersey on June 16, to commit additional sexual acts on the victim.

When Caudle was arrested at the airport, his laptop was seized and a search revealed at least 10 images and five videos of child sexual abuse, authorities said.

The charge of persuading, inducing, enticing, or coercing a minor into prohibited sexual activity through an internet-based chat application carries 10 years up to life in prison, if Caudle is found guilty. The charge of interstate travel with the intent to engage in illicit conduct with a minor carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.