FORMER EAST WINDSOR POLICE OFFICER WHO USED INTERNET TO ATTEMPT TO ENTICE MINOR GIRL INTO SEX PLEADS GUILTY

United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release - April 3, 2008 -- Project Safe Childhood:

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced DARREN DEMPSEY, also known as Darren Seligman, 39, of Mansfield, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to one count using an interstate facility to transmit information about a minor.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, DEMPSEY used the Internet to attempt to engage in sexual conduct with an 11-year-old girl. At the time, DEMPSEY was employed as an officer with the East Windsor Police Department. Judge Burns has scheduled sentencing for June 18, 2008, at which time DEMPSEY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000. DEMPSEY has been incarcerated since his arrest by the Federal Bureau of Investigation on October 29, 2007.

U.S. Attorney O'Connor noted that this prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. This case was investigated by the Connecticut Computer Crimes Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Avon Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David A. Ring.