Online Dating Site Leads to Legal Charges for 22-year-old Man

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — A man found himself in legal hot water after he met a female online that had lied about her age.

John Monroe, 22, pled guilty to Attempted Rape 3rd, a Class A misdemeanor, and was sentenced to 6 years probation and additional Sex Offender Registaration Act (SORA) requirements as a level 1 sex offender.

Monroe’s defense attorney, John Lockhart, stated that the victim lied about her age to the accused, as well as about being a parent.

The female victim was between the ages of 11 and 16.

“You need to be incredibly careful if you use online dating sites,” said Livingston County District Attorney, Greg McCaffrey. “It’s your obligation to know the age of the person you are getting involved with.”

Monroe had to pay an additional $1,300 in court fines and fees as well as an order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim. If he violates his probation terms he faces a possible 1 year sentence of local incarceration.