NJ Predator Sentenced to 7 Years After Sting Operation

Key evidence nearly lost, leading to case dismissal before appeals court overturned decision.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:57pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered smartphone screen, the broken glass reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the fragility of digital evidence in a high-stakes criminal case.A stark, gritty image of the digital evidence that nearly let an online predator go free.Stanhope Today

Larry Noel, a 49-year-old New Jersey man, was sentenced to seven years in state prison for attempting to engage a minor online and drive to a home to meet the teen for sex. The case nearly collapsed after a detective lost the password to the fake dating profile used in the sting operation, but an appeals court later overturned the dismissal, leading to Noel's conviction.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in prosecuting online predators, as well as the importance of properly handling digital evidence. The near-dismissal due to lost evidence raises concerns about the integrity of the justice system and the need for better training and protocols for investigators working these types of cases.

The details

In April 2019, Noel connected with an undercover cop posing as a 14-year-old on the dating app Adam4Adam. Noel lied about his age and asked to meet the teen for sex, then drove to the arranged location where he was arrested by police. During the investigation, the detective lost the password to the fake teen's dating profile, which was key evidence. This led a court to initially dismiss the case, but an appeals court later overturned that decision, allowing prosecutors to move forward with Noel's conviction on charges of luring, attempted sexual assault, and attempted child endangerment.

  • On April 11, 2019, Noel met the undercover cop posing as a 14-year-old on Adam4Adam.
  • At 10:10 p.m. on April 11, 2019, Noel arrived at the arranged meeting location and was arrested by police.
  • In 2024, a court dismissed Noel's indictment due to the lost login information for the dating profile.
  • In 2026, appellate judges overturned the dismissal, allowing prosecutors to move forward with Noel's case.
  • On March 27, 2026, Noel was sentenced to seven years in state prison.

The players

Larry Noel

A 49-year-old New Jersey man who was convicted of luring, attempted sexual assault, and attempted child endangerment for trying to meet a minor for sex.

Bergen County Prosecutor's Office

The law enforcement agency that investigated and prosecuted the case against Noel.

Adam4Adam

The dating website where Noel connected with the undercover cop posing as a 14-year-old.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just gonna be honest, I don't know.”

— Larry Noel

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Larry Noel to be released on parole.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of proper evidence handling and the challenges law enforcement faces in prosecuting online predators. It also raises questions about the integrity of the justice system and the need for better training and protocols to ensure digital evidence is preserved and accessible.