Defendant Pleads Guilty to Interstate Transportation of a Minor for Sex
Transportation of a Minor from Vermont to New York with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity Leads to Plea and Mandatory 10-Year Jail Sentence

PLATTSBURGH, NY—United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Clifford C. Holly announced today that ANDREW BENWAY, age 25, of Queensbury, New York, pled guilty on November 1, 2011, to interstate transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2423(a). BENWAY pled guilty before United States District Court Judge Gary Sharpe in Albany, New York.

BENWAY was arrested on March 7, 2011, when law enforcement found a 14-year-old female, for whom an Amber Alert had been issued, at his residence. The investigation revealed that BENWAY had met the minor on the Internet and, on March 4, 2011, had traveled from Queensbury, New York, to Vermont where he picked up the minor and brought her back to his residence.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Warren County, New York Sheriff’s Office, the Hartford, Vermont, Police Department, and the Vermont Internet Crimes Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, with the cooperation of the Warren County District Attorney’s Office.

BENWAY is scheduled to be sentenced on March 2, 2012, in Albany, New York. A conviction of interstate transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a maximum sentence of up to life imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. Judge Sharpe ordered that the defendant remain released on bail pending sentencing.

Any questions may be directed to Assistant United States Attorney Julie S. Pfluger in Plattsburgh, New York at 518-314-7800.