Charles Wager, 57, from Castleton-on-Hudson, New York, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison following his conviction for attempting to entice a minor into illegal sexual activities while he was required to register as a sex offender due to a prior rape conviction. The sentencing took place after a jury found him guilty in February 2023.
According to evidence presented at trial, Wager exchanged thousands of sexually explicit text messages with individuals he believed were a 10-year-old girl and her mother during January and February 2021. He shared pornography with the presumed child, discussed sexual acts he intended to perform, sent nude photos of himself, and offered toys and treats as rewards for engaging in sexual acts. Wager arranged an in-person meeting by purchasing a car and traveling from Castleton-on-Hudson to Binghamton, New York on February 5, 2021. He brought toys intended as rewards for the child but was arrested shortly after arriving.
Wager had previously pleaded guilty in Rensselaer County Court in 2002 to third-degree rape involving a then-15-year-old girl and has since been required to register as a sex offender. Evidence also showed that he had molested two other minors decades ago using similar grooming tactics.
“Charles Wager is one of the most dangerous child predators our office has ever prosecuted, and that speaks volumes,” said Acting United States Attorney Sarcone. “We will continue to unleash the full powers of the federal government to hold these twisted and evil people accountable for their vile and despicable crimes. I commend the FBI for its flawless operation to bring this repeat, remorseless child predator to justice.”
Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “Today’s significant sentence put an end to Mr. Wager’s horrific history of sexual abuse and vile behavior. This dangerous individual will now spend decades in federal prison where he can no longer harm any of our children. The FBI remains as dedicated as ever to ensuring any individual seeking to harm our most vulnerable is swiftly identified, investigated, and brought to justice.”
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members from various law enforcement agencies such as the Colonie Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin S. Clark and Thomas R. Sutcliffe prosecuted the case under Project Safe Childhood—a national initiative led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) aimed at addressing child sexual exploitation through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local resources.
More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc.
