Former New York DEA Investigator Convicted Of Enticing A Minor To Have Sex And Child Pornography Charges

On June 22, 2021, a former DEA Diversion Investigator assigned to the DEA’s New York Field Division was found guilty of attempted production of child pornography, attempted receipt of child pornography, and attempted enticement of a minor.  Frederick Scheinin was convicted in the Southern District of New York.  According to the Indictment, documents previously filed in the case, and evidence introduced at trial, from in or about October 2019 through in or about January 2020, Scheinin communicated with an undercover officer (“UC-1”) who was posing as a 14-year-old boy.  During the course of hundreds of graphic text communications and multiple real-time conversations, Scheinin repeatedly sent sexually explicit images and videos to UC-1 in an attempt to persuade UC-1 to transmit sexually explicit images, photos, and live visual depictions of UC-1 to Scheinin.  Scheinin also attempted to arrange a meeting with UC-1 at which Scheinin planned to have sex with UC-1.  OIG Agents and officers from the New York City Police Department arrested Scheinin on January 16, 2020, in New York, New York, at the location where Scheinin said he would meet UC-1.  Scheinin was placed in custody following the return of the verdict and transferred to a local prison.  The investigation was conducted by the OIG's Cyber Investigations Office, the OIG’s New Jersey Area Office and the New York City Police Department.