After a three-day trial, Stacey Lancaster, a 46-year-old resident of Hudson, was convicted by a federal jury for attempting to sex traffic a minor. The conviction follows a proactive operation by federal and local law enforcement on November 14, 2024. Acting United States Attorney Jay McCormack announced the verdict.
Lancaster was found guilty of one count of attempted sex trafficking of a minor. United States District Court Judge Paul Barbadoro has ordered Lancaster to remain in custody until his sentencing, which is set for August 18, 2025.
The operation involved agents posting an advertisement on a website frequently used for commercial sex advertisements. The ad included images resembling two minor females and provided a contact number. Law enforcement monitored this line and communicated with potential buyers, including Lancaster. During their conversation, an undercover agent informed Lancaster about a 12-year-old girl available for sex acts in exchange for money. Lancaster received the address of a Manchester hotel where he later met with an undercover agent. At the meeting, he confirmed possession of $100 to pay for the act and mentioned he would use protection.
The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Manchester Police Department, New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, and New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Krasinski and Matthew Vicinanzo are handling the prosecution.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. It aims to marshal resources at all levels to apprehend offenders and rescue victims.