United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Connecticut Computer Crimes Task Force: NEW JERSEY DOCTOR PLEADS GUILTY TO TRAVELING TO CONNECTICUT TO ENGAGE IN SEX WITH A JUVENILE

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DR. MICHAEL G. SPERO, age 42, of Morganville, New Jersey, pleaded guilty yesterday, March 15, in Hartford federal court to a charge of traveling interstate for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with a juvenile.

SPERO, an anesthesiologist, was initially indicted on July 3, 2003, in an Indictment charging him with illegally traveling from the State of New Jersey to the State of Connecticut on June 10, 2003, for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with a juvenile. Under federal law, adults are prohibited from engaging in any sexual act with persons who have not attained the age of sixteen years.

The victim contacted local authorities on June 11, 2003, and thereafter an undercover FBI agent assumed the role of the victim during subsequent internet communications with the defendant. As a result of those communications, the defendant returned to Connecticut on June 25, 2003, and was arrested on that day. After SPERO's arrest, United States Magistrate Judge Thomas P. Smith ordered that SPERO be detained without bond.

SPERO faces a possible term of imprisonment of up to thirty years and a maximum fine of $250,000. He may also be required to serve a period of supervised release of up to life. SPERO is currently scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Christopher F. Droney on June 3, 2004. However, it is anticipated that SPERO's sentencing will be delayed, as he may be transferred to New Jersey state authorities to face similar charges. SPERO was arrested by New Jersey State Police on February 3, 2003, on charges of sexual assault, endangering the welfare of children, and criminal trespass. He was released on bail by the New Jersey Superior Court in February 2003. That bail was recently revoked by a judge of the New Jersey Superior Court.

U.S. Attorney O'Connor praised the agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their outstanding efforts in investigating this case. The case is being investigated by the FBI's Computer Crimes Task Force, which includes agents from the FBI, the United States Postal Service, the Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Chief State's Attorney's Office, Defense Criminal Investigation Service, United States Secret Service, and detectives from the Glastonbury, Madison, New Britain, and Milford Police Departments. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John A. Danaher III.

The Connecticut Computer Crimes Task Force was formed in February 2003 to investigate crimes occurring over the internet. These crimes include computer intrusion, internet fraud, copyright violations, internet threats and harassment and on-line crimes against children. The Task Force also provides computer forensic review services for participating agencies. The Task Force is housed in the main FBI office in New Haven, Connecticut. For more information about the Task Force, please contact the FBI at 203-777-6311 or via e-mail at ifcc.nh@fbi.gov.

CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov