NJ Child Predator Busted By Undercover Sting Operation

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — A Sussex County man has been found guilty of attempting to sexually assault a child, according to Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin.

Larry M. Noel, 49, of Stanhope, was found guilty on Wednesday of luring, attempted sexual assault, and attempted endangering the welfare of a child by impairing/debauching the morals of a child.

The conviction comes after Noel had tried to meet with a 14-year-old child to “perform sexual acts on them.”

Little did Noel know that the “14-year-old” he was chatting with on social media was actually an undercover police officer.

Noel, who told the teen persona that he was 29 years old, arranged to meet at a location in Bergen County. When he arrived, he was greeted not by a 14-year-old but by a pair of handcuffs.

“Sexual crimes and attempts against children are among the most difficult but important matters our office has to deal with—these operations protect children, and that’s why we take part in them,” said Platkin. “Thanks to the excellent work of our Division of Criminal Justice, the New Jersey State Police, and our local law enforcement partners, we have convicted another predator.”

The investigation and arrest of Noel was part of “Operation Home Alone,” a multi-faceted law enforcement initiative to “conduct proactive and reactive investigations and prosecutions of persons involved in child abuse and exploitation involving the internet.”