Craigslist Posts Solicited Minors for Sex, FBI Says

A 31-year-old man was recently arrested at the Willowbrook Mall for attempting to meet a minor for sex following an online email exchange, the FBI said Thursday.

Eric Fantau was arrested Jan. 15 in the Willowbrook Mall parking lot for allegedly attempting to meet a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexually explicit conduct, a press release issued by the FBI Thursday said. Fantau's town of residence was not provided by the FBI.

According to a complaint filed in Manhattan federal court, Fantau posted more than 100 listings on Craigslist containing requests for sex with females, the FBI said.

Fantau engaged in email communications with individuals who said they were female minors, authorities said. Fantau allegedly requested these minors to meet him to engage in sexual activity, authorities said.

Fantau stated that he had met a female minor to engage in sexual activity, the FBI said.

“In cases like these, it’s not usual for there to be multiple victims,” Supervisory Special Agent Martin Feely said in the release. “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.”

Feely could not be reached for further comment.

Anyone with information regarding Fantau or if anyone thinks they may be the victims of a crime, call the FBI New York’s tip line at 212-384-1000. All tips and information will remain confidential. Victim specialists will be available to assist victims.

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