Henrietta is a town of approximately 43,000 residents, located just south of Rochester in Monroe County, New York. Prostitution and child sex trafficking activity has been well-documented within the town for years. Among the tactics employed to address these issues locally are those targeting sex buyers. For example, in April 2014, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office conducted a sting operation at multiple Henrietta hotels, resulting in the arrest of eight individuals. Among the arrestees were three men charged with patronizing prostitution and five women charged with prostitution. Although the names and ages of each of the offenders were released to the public, details about the operation (i.e., whether or not traditional “reverse” sting tactics were used) were not disclosed.

In January 2020, an undercover investigator with the New York State Police (NYSP) placed a classified ad for prostitution on a website known by law enforcement as a platform for both adult prostitution and the sexual exploitation of minors. The ad was posted in both the Rochester and Finger Lakes regions. The ad utilized a photo of a juvenile and the words “YOUNG FUN”. The ad also stated, “Hi guys. If your lookin for young taboo fun, hmu. Age is just a number. If its not your thing, don’t be a hater. Open minded here! Txt me XXX-XXX-XXXX!!!” On the same day, the undercover investigator – who was posing as the mother of a 13-year-old child – received a text message from a man who allegedly negotiated a price and agreed to meet. The “mother” stated the man should bring a present so that the child wouldn’t be as shy or nervous. The defendant asked what kind of presents the child liked, and the officer told the defendant the child wanted headphones, pink clothes, unicorns, and Reese’s peanut butter cups. The sex buyer was apprehended at a Henrietta apartment building and taken to the State Police barracks. He was advised of his rights, waived his right to an attorney, and allegedly admitted to his actions. He was charged in federal court with attempting to purchase access to sexually abuse a 13-year-old child and attempted receipt of child pornography. In April 2021, the man pled guilty and was sentenced to serve 70 months in prison and 15 years of supervised probation. His identity was published in news reports. The sentencing resulted from an investigation by the NYSP Troop E Major Crimes Unit, Canandaigua, under the direction of Major Barry Chase, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.