A Sussex County man was sentenced on March 27 to seven years in state prison for attempting to sexually assault someone he believed was a minor, according to an April 10 announcement from Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Criminal Justice.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies in New Jersey to address crimes involving child exploitation and protect vulnerable individuals. Officials say that proactive operations and interagency cooperation are essential tools in preventing such offenses.
Larry M. Noel, age 49, of Stanhope, was convicted after a jury trial on November 12, 2025, of second-degree luring, second-degree attempted sexual assault, and third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child. Superior Court Judge Christopher R. Kazlau also ordered lifetime parole supervision and registration as a sex offender under Megan’s Law.
“Protecting our children, especially from sexual violence, is a top priority of our office,” said Attorney General Davenport. “The sentence handed down makes clear that attempting to hurt a child will never be tolerated. Our law enforcement partners did an excellent job in stopping the defendant before he could do more harm.” Theresa L. Hilton, Director of the Division of Criminal Justice, said: “The sentencing we are announcing shows the serious consequences of this perpetrator’s actions. The internet can be a dangerous place for anyone, let alone children. We will use all the tools we have to find and prosecute those who prey on kids.” Jeanne Hengemuhle, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police added: “This sentencing sends a clear and unequivocal message: anyone who seeks to harm a child or exploit their innocence will face serious consequences… Thanks to the relentless efforts of our detectives and the strong collaboration among our law enforcement partners, justice has been served, and our communities are safer as a result.”
Court documents show that Noel contacted an undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old online in April 2019 while claiming he was only 29 years old himself; he then arranged an in-person meeting where he was arrested upon arrival.
The investigation took place under “Operation Home Alone,” coordinated by multiple agencies including the Division of Criminal Justice and Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office as part of New Jersey’s Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force—a network representing over 3,500 federal, state and local agencies dedicated to investigating internet-based child exploitation cases.
According to the official website,
the New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin aims to protect residents’ lives and property through legal standards enforcement statewide; the agency extends its services across all counties; it influences public safety via oversight roles; holds authority for prosecuting offenses statewide; offers victim advocacy, crime lab support and consumer protection initiatives; while functioning as New Jersey’s central justice agency.
