Chadds Ford Man Arrested For Attempting To Sexually Abuse A Child
Wednesday, December 11, 2024, 6:30 P.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
ALBANY, NY.- Last week, a 39-year-old alleged child predator from Chadds Ford Township, Pennsylvania, discovered that after driving 260 miles to Albany, New York, to meet a 9-year-old child to engage in an illicit sexual encounter, found himself behind bars and facing up to 30 years in federal prison when he was met by federal agents instead of the child.
According to U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman, David Gruber, 39, of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, was taken into custody and charged federally with Traveling Across State Lines with the Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct with a Minor. On Friday, December 6, 2024, Gruber made his first appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart and was ordered detained.
According to the charging information filed in the criminal complaint, in November 2024, Gruber began communicating with an individual to discuss and plan his sexual abuse of a person who he believed to be a 9-year-old child living in Albany County, New York.
Gruber planned to drive from Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, to Albany County and pay $300 in order to sexually abuse the person who he believed to be a child. On Thursday, December 5, 2024, Gruber was arrested after arriving in Albany at a prearranged meeting location. When arrested, Gruber had $460 in cash on him.
Gruber Faces Up To 30 Years In Prison If Convicted
If convicted at trial, Gruber faces a maximum of 30 years in federal prison, at least five years and up to life of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. The actual term of imprisonment would be determined by a U.S. District Court Judge based on the seriousness of the offense and Gruber’s prior criminal history, if any.
“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”
