David Gruber, a 39-year-old resident of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, was arrested last week in Albany, New York. He faces charges of crossing state lines with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. The arrest was announced by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Craig L. Tremaroli from the FBI's Albany Field Office, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James.
The criminal complaint alleges that in November 2024, Gruber communicated with an individual about his plans to sexually abuse a person he believed to be a 9-year-old child living in Albany County, New York. Gruber allegedly planned to travel from Pennsylvania to Albany County and pay $300 for this purpose. On December 5, 2024, he was apprehended at a prearranged meeting location in Albany with $460 in cash on him.
Gruber made his initial court appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart on December 6 and was ordered detained. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, supervised release ranging from five years to life, and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI and the New York State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew M. Paulbeck is prosecuting the case under Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child exploitation online through federal, state, and local collaboration. More information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc.