Crime & Safety
Sex With A Minor: Massachusetts Man
David H. Bentz, 46, of Norwell, Mass., pleaded guilty to the sex charge. He responded to an online post but was communicating with police.
PROVIDENCE — David H. Bentz, 46, of Norwell, MA, thought he was coming to the Ocean State to meet a 15-year-old for sex, the U.S. Attorney's office said Tuesday. But when he arrived at the meeting place, he was arrested by state police. Bentz on Friday pleaded guilty to traveling interstate for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. He is scheduled to be sentenced in Providence federal court on Sept. 8, 2017.
According to court papers, Bentz responded to an online posting on July 2, 2016 and began a series of communications with a person he believed to be a 15-year-old female.
"The conversation quickly became sexually explicit," the U.S Attorney's office said. Within a few days, on July 6, 2016, Bentz arranged to meet with the 15-year-old in Rhode Island for sex. The Rhode State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force were waiting for him.
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He faces up to 30 years in federal prison; a fine of up to $250,000; and a probation between 5 years and life.
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