Hudson Valley Registered Sex Offender Accused Of Trying To Sexually Abuse Minor

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — A local registered sex offender tried to arrange to have sex with a 14-year-old girl and record the encounter, according to federal prosecutors.

Louis K. West III, 50, of Poughkeepsie, was taken into federal custody on Friday, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York.

West is charged with attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, coercion and enticement of a minor, and committing a felony offense involving a minor as a registered sex offender.

James C. Barnacle Jr., assistant director in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, said West “sought to sexually abuse a young teenager for his own twisted gratification.”

On or about March 25, an advertisement was placed on an online platform featuring photographs of a young female and offering prostitution services, court documents show.

West called and negotiated the details of the encounter with an undercover law enforcement officer, including the meeting place and price, officials said. The undercover agent was posing as the aunt of a 14-year-old girl. When West asked about the girl’s age, he was specifically told she was 14, documents show.

Prosecutors said West arrived at the agreed upon meeting location and spoke with an undercover officer.

“When asked if he had brought condoms, West confirmed that he had and flashed a condom from inside his pocket,” the U.S. Attorney’s office said. “West confirmed that he could ‘take his time’ with the minor.”

An undercover officer moved to enter the location where West believed the 14-year-old to be located. West followed and was arrested by the FBI, officials said.

FBI agents searched West and found covert recording equipment, including a hidden camera disguised as an alarm clock and a pair of apparent video recording eyeglasses, according to federal prosecutors.

Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said, “There are few crimes as horrific as the sexual exploitation of our children, particularly in cases like this one where the defendant has a history of sexual violence.”

Officials urged anyone with information to contact the FBI, by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or through its online tips page: https://tips.fbi.gov.