St. Charles County Man Indicted on Federal Child Enticement Charges

ST. LOUIS—MICHAEL ENGLER was charged for allegedly soliciting sex from a minor on Craigslist. But that minor was an undercover officer working with the FBI’s Crimes Against Children Task Force.

According to a federal criminal complaint filed October 17, when an undercover officer posing as an 18-year-old posted a “male looking for a male” ad on Craigslist, Engler responded. When the undercover officer told Engler he was 14, Engler still wanted to meet the child. According to court documents, when the “14-year-old” expressed hesitation, Engler told him he knew about boys experimenting and told him he was in a Boy Scouts “venturing program” for kids aged 14-20. On October 15, Engler agreed to meet with the officer posing as the 14-year-old boy saying he would teach him about oral sex. Engler was arrested on October 16 when he showed up at the designated meeting spot behind an ice rink at Brentwood.

Engler, of St. Charles, Missouri, was indicted by a federal grand jury today on one felony count of attempting to persuade, induce, entice and coerce a minor to engage in sexual activity.

If convicted, this charge carries a penalty range of 10 years to life in prison and/or fines up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the St. Louis County Police Department in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and the St. Charles County Cybercrime Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Winfield is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.