STANHOPE BOROUGH, N.J. (Sussex County) — A Sussex County man has been sentenced to seven years in state prison for attempting to sexually assault someone he believed was a minor, authorities announced.
Larry M. Noel, 49, of Stanhope, was sentenced March 27, 2026, in Bergen County Superior Court. In addition to the prison term, he will be subject to lifetime parole supervision and must register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law.
Noel was convicted following a jury trial on Nov. 12, 2025, on charges including second-degree luring, second-degree attempted sexual assault and third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child.
“Protecting our children, especially from sexual violence, is a top priority of our office,” said Attorney General Jennifer Davenport. “The sentence handed down makes clear that attempting to hurt a child will never be tolerated. Our law enforcement partners did an excellent job in stopping the defendant before he could do more harm.”
“The sentencing we are announcing shows the serious consequences of this perpetrator’s actions,” said DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton. “The internet can be a dangerous place for anyone, let alone children. We will use all the tools we have to find and prosecute those who prey on kids.”
“This sentencing sends a clear and unequivocal message: anyone who seeks to harm a child or exploit their innocence will face serious consequences,” said Jeanne Hengemuhle, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “With a seven-year prison sentence, lifetime parole supervision, and mandatory registration requirements, this outcome ensures continued accountability and oversight long after incarceration. The defendant’s actions posed a serious threat to our most vulnerable. Thanks to the relentless efforts of our detectives and the strong collaboration among our law enforcement partners, justice has been served, and our communities are safer as a result.”
According to trial evidence, Noel contacted an undercover officer on April 11, 2019, who was posing as a 14-year-old on a social media application. He identified himself as a 29-year-old man and arranged to meet the individual in Bergen County, indicating he intended to engage in sexual acts.
When Noel arrived at the predetermined meeting location, he was arrested by law enforcement.
The investigation was conducted as part of “Operation Home Alone,” a joint effort involving the Division of Criminal Justice, the New Jersey State Police and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. The operation was carried out through the New Jersey Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, part of a national network targeting online child exploitation.
