Alexander MacFayden, a 60-year-old Canadian citizen, was sentenced in Albany, New York, to 188 months in prison and 15 years of supervised release for attempted online enticement of a minor and possession of child pornography. The sentencing follows MacFayden’s guilty plea to charges stemming from his actions between May and August 2023.
According to court documents, MacFayden exchanged sexually explicit messages with an individual in Albany who he believed would allow him access to a 10-year-old relative. On August 25, 2023, he traveled from Canada to Albany intending to engage in sexual acts with the child. Law enforcement arrested him shortly after his arrival.
Upon release from prison, MacFayden will be required to register as a sex offender.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Alexander MacFayden is a depraved person who wanted to have sex with a 10-year-old girl. He will now spend the next 15 years in federal prison. Every day, we are working with our law enforcement partners to lock up pedophiles who would seek to harm children in our communities.”
Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albany Field Office, said: “Mr. MacFayden traveled from Canada to Albany, where he intended to have sex with a 10-year-old girl. That trip just landed him in federal prison for the next 15 years. The FBI’s reach is vast, and we will use every resource at our disposal to keep our children safe from these sickening predators.”
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members from federal, state, and local agencies such as the Colonie Police Department, Rotterdam Police Department, and New York State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph S. Hartunian and Allen J. Vickey prosecuted the case under Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is a national initiative led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), coordinating resources across government levels to address child sexual exploitation online and identify victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc
