FBI Makes Arrest for Sexual Enticement of a Minor, Looking for More Victims to Come Forward

On Tuesday, January 15, 2013, Eric Fantau was arrested by FBI agents in the parking lot area of a mall in Wayne, New Jersey, for allegedly attempting to meet a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Mr. Fantau was arrested without incident and charged by complaint in the Southern District of New York.

According to the allegations in the complaint filed in Manhattan federal court:

Mr. Fantau posted more than a hundred listings on Craigslist containing requests for sex with females and used ericfa23@gmail.com as his e-mail address. Mr. Fantau also engaged in e-mail communications with individuals who identified themselves to him as female minors, and he requested these minors to meet him for purposes of engaging in sexual activity. Mr. Fantau also stated that he met a female minor for purposes of engaging in sexual activity.

If you have any information to report regarding Mr. Fantau or believe you have been the victim of a crime, please call the FBI New York’s tip line at 212-384-1000. All tips and information will remain confidential. The FBI has victim specialists available to assist victims.

“In cases like these, it’s not unusual for there to be multiple victims. Out of an abundance of caution, we want the public to be aware that the FBI is available if someone feels they have been victimized,” said Supervisory Special Agent Martin Feely.

The investigation of sexual exploitation of minors is carried out by the FBI’s Criminal Division, Crimes Against Children squad. The squad is dedicated to addressing children’s vulnerability to sexual exploitation.

The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.