Ryan Wynne Grace Arrested on Charge of Interstate Travel with Intent to Engage in Sexual Conduct with a Minor

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Ryan Wynne Grace, 30, of Rutland, Vermont, was arrested yesterday on a charge of traveling across state lines with intent to engage in sexual conduct with a minor. Grace had his initial appearance yesterday in the United States District Court in Rutland. At the hearing, the Hon. Christina C. Reiss, Chief United States District Court Judge, ordered Grace detained pending trial.

Court records indicate that, around early July 2011, Grace traveled from Rutland to New York, where he engaged in a sexual act with a 13-year-old boy. Grace intended to meet the minor in New York again on July 6, 2011, but was intercepted by law enforcement officials. Court records further indicate that Grace was convicted in Vermont state court in 2003 of sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 16. He was also convicted in federal court in 2003 of possession of child pornography.

The criminal complaint charging Grace with interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct is an accusation only; he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in prison, as well as a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence, in the event of conviction, will be determined by the court with reference to the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant United States Attorney Christina Nolan is handling the prosecution. Grace was represented at his initial appearance by Assistant Federal Public Defender Natasha Sen.