United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Connecticut Computer Crimes Task Force: MARYLAND MAN ARRESTED AFTER TRAVELING TO CONNECTICUT TO ENGAGE IN SEX WITH A MINOR

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THOMAS EDWARD DONALDSON, age 42, of Upper Marlborough, Maryland, was arrested on Wednesday morning, July 14, 2004, for traveling with the intent to engage in sexual acts with a juvenile. DONALDSON later that day appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez and was ordered detained without bond on motion of the Government.

According to the criminal Complaint filed in support of DONALDSON's arrest, between June 9 and July 13, 2004, DONALDSON engaged in computer "chats" with an agent acting in an undercover capacity who was posing as a 13-year old girl. DONALDSON then traveled from his home in Maryland to Glastonbury during the evening of June 13 for an arranged meeting with the purported 13-year-old that was to occur the morning of June 14. During the on-line conversations, DONALDSON had outlined the sexual acts that he intended to engage in with the 13-year old. DONALDSON was arrested at the meeting location at the pre-arranged time.

If convicted, DONALDSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

U.S. Attorney O'Connor emphasized that the arrest and federal charges are not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to have the case presented to a grand jury and, if he is indicted, he is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the Government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

DONALDSON's arrest was the result of an investigation conducted by the Connecticut Computer Crimes Task Force, notably the Glastonbury Police Department, the United States Postal Investigation Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Deborah R. Slater.

The Connecticut Computer Crimes Task Force 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, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, United States Secret Service, and detectives from the Glastonbury, New Britain, Milford and New Haven Police Departments.

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