U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo has announced the arrest of Daniel Gregory, 33, from Clarence, New York. Gregory faces charges of online enticement of a minor, which could result in a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life imprisonment.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson provided details on the case. According to the complaint, North Tonawanda Police Department was informed on January 6, 2025, that an individual named “Daniel Gregory” was soliciting teens on Facebook with messages asking if anyone knew any “NT teens I could hook up with? 13-16.” Investigators linked these messages back to Gregory.
On January 9, an undercover officer created a fake Facebook profile under the name “Alexis Jones” and sent a friend request to Gregory, which he accepted. Subsequently, Gregory initiated communication via Facebook Messenger and attempted multiple video calls with “Alexis Jones,” who he believed was 12 years old. He also sent explicit photos and engaged in sexually explicit conversations.
Gregory arranged to meet “Alexis Jones” for sexual activity at an apartment in the City of Tonawanda on February 3. Upon arrival, he was arrested by North Tonawanda detectives who seized his cell phone.
In a previous incident from May 2019, Gregory had been convicted of Harassment in the Second Degree after attempting to pursue a romantic relationship with a minor via social media for two years.
Following his arrest related to this current case, Gregory made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and remains in state custody facing additional charges of attempted rape in Niagara County.
The investigation involved collaboration between the North Tonawanda Police Department led by Chief Keith Glass and Homeland Security Investigations directed by Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.
“The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.”
