Registered Sex Offender Charged With Attempted Sexual Exploitation Of A Minor

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Assistant Director in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"), James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced today the arrest of LOUIS K. WEST III. WEST, a registered sex offender, is charged with communicating online with an individual he believed to be a 14-year-old girl and attempting to meet the individual to engage in sexual activities and record the encounter. WEST was taken into federal custody on Friday, March 27, 2026, presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy in White Plains federal court, and detained.

"There are few crimes as horrific as the sexual exploitation of our children, particularly in cases like this one where the defendant has a history of sexual violence," said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. "New York families have zero tolerance for this conduct, and we are acting on their behalf. Please read the allegations in this complaint and, if you think you see something similar, say something: call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or use the online tips page: https://tips.fbi.gov."

"Louis West, a registered sex offender, allegedly attempted to arrange a sexual encounter with a minor victim before authorities intercepted him," said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. "West allegedly sought to sexually abuse a young teenager for his own twisted gratification. The FBI continues to partner with state and local law enforcement to target sexual predators seeking to harm vulnerable children."

As alleged in the Complaint:[1]

On March 26, 2026, WEST was identified as part of a multi-agency enticement operation. WEST attempted to meet with an underage minor female for the purpose of engaging in sex acts. WEST negotiated the details of a sexual encounter with an undercover law enforcement officer ("Officer-1"). Officer-1 and WEST agreed on a place to meet for WEST to engage in sex with the minor.

Later that evening, WEST arrived at the agreed upon meeting location and spoke with another undercover law enforcement officer ("Officer-2"). When asked if he had brought condoms, WEST confirmed that he had and flashed a condom from inside his pocket. WEST confirmed that he could "take his time" with the minor. Officer-2 moved to enter the location where WEST believed the 14-year-old to be located, and WEST followed. At that point, WEST was arrested by FBI agents. Upon searching WEST, agents found covert recording equipment, including a hidden camera disguised as an alarm clock and a pair of apparent video recording eyeglasses.

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WEST, 50, of Poughkeepsie, New York, is charged with one count of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of coercion and enticement of a minor, and one count of committing a felony offense involving a minor as a registered sex offender. The statutory minimum for these charges is 35 years in prison, and the maximum is life in prison.

The statutory minimum and maximum sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Clayton praised the efforts of the FBI's New York Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, New York State Police - Troop F, Internet Crimes Against Children Proactive Investigations Unit - Albany, Special Operation Response Team, Orange County Sheriff's Office, Town of Newburgh Police Department, Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center, the New York State Intelligence Center, Dutchess County Sheriff's Office, and the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department.

The prosecution is being handled by the Office's White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Isabelle Lelogeais is in charge of the prosecution.