By: Najla Alexander
NJ AG officials announced that a Sussex County man was sentenced to seven years in state prison for attempting to have explicit contact with someone he believed was a minor.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) stated that Larry M. Noel, 49, of Stanhope, was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Christopher R. Kazlau in Bergen County on March 27. In addition to the prison term, Judge Kazlau sentenced Noel to lifetime parole supervision and required him to register as an offender under Megan’s Law.
Noel was convicted following a jury trial on November 12, 2025, of one count each of second-degree luring, second-degree attempted explicit contact, and third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child, impairing/debauching the morals of a child, NJ AG Officials said.
Attorney General Davenport said, “The sentence handed down makes clear that attempting to hurt a child will never be tolerated. Our law enforcement partners did an excellent job in stopping the defendant before he could do more harm.”
“The internet can be a dangerous place for anyone, let alone children. We will use all the tools we have to find and prosecute those who prey on kids," DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton said.
“This sentencing sends a clear and unequivocal message: anyone who seeks to harm a child or exploit their innocence will face serious consequences,” said Jeanne Hengemuhle, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial, on April 11, 2019, Noel contacted an undercover officer who was posing as a 14-year-old on a social media application.
NJ AG officials say that Noel identified himself as a 29-year-old man.
Noel asked if the “child” wanted to meet, and indicated he would like to perform explicit acts on them. Noel arranged to meet the “child” at a predetermined location in Bergen County, according to NJ AG officials.
When Noel arrived at the predetermined time and location, he was arrested, NJ AG officials stated.