Lake Orion Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Entice a Minor for Sex

William Bendert, 52, of Lake Orion, Michigan pleaded guilty today to charges relating to the enticement of a minor for sexual activity, announced United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade. Ms. McQuade was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Andrew G. Arena, Federal Bureau of Investigation.

According to the information presented to the court at the time of Bendert’s plea, from August of 2010 through September 10, 2010, Bendert, through the Internet, communicated with "Karamommi", who he believed to be the mother of Jenna, an eleven year-old girl. "Karamommi" was really an undercover special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Through their communications, Bendert attempted to persuade "Karamommi" to allow him to engage in sexual activity with the minor girl. On September 9, 2010, the defendant met in person with a female undercover officer, who was posing as "Karamommi". During the meeting, Bendert continued to persuade "Karamommi" to allow him to engage in illegal sexual acts with Jenna. At the conclusion of the meeting, a decision was made for "Karamommi" to bring Jenna to a hotel where she would meet with the defendant and engage in the illegal sexual acts. On or about September 10, 2010, the defendant arrived at the hotel at the time designated for him to meet with Jenna and engage in the illegal sexual conduct when he was arrested.

United States Attorney Barbara McQuade said, “"People should be aware that child predators use the Internet as a powerful weapon, but predators should be aware that law enforcement agents possess even greater weapons to bring them to justice."

Bendert will be sentenced on July 14, 2011 at 3:00 pm before U.S. District Judge Denise Page Hood.

McQuade praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office Computer Crimes Unit (MACE) who contributed significantly to the investigation.

Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin M. Mulcahy and Matthew Roth are prosecuting the case for the United States.