Defendant charged with attempted enticement of nine-year-old boy

A University of Arkansas graduate student has been arrested and charged with multiple sex crimes after allegedly arranging a meeting with a nine-year-old boy in New York City.

Federal charges were announced against Efrem Zelony-Mindell, 35, of Fayetteville for attempted enticement of one minor boy in Manhattan, New York, and possession and distribution of child pornography. 

Zelony-Mindell was arrested this morning and will be presented in Manhattan federal court today before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge James L. Cott.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Zelony-Mindell allegedly attempted to engage in sexual activity with a nine-year-old boy.  The protection of children from predation remains of critical importance to this Office, and we will continue to use our resources and work with our law enforcement partners to bring offenders to justice.”

FBI Assistant Director Michael J. Driscoll said: “As alleged, Mr. Zelony-Mindell’s actions are nearly unfathomable.  Through a series of conversations with undercover FBI agents conducted on encrypted messaging platforms, he stated his desire to have sex with minor children, and he ultimately met with one of the agents who he believed would provide him an opportunity to do so.  Today’s action should serve as a reminder to anyone who seeks to prey on children – the FBI Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force and our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively pursue you and hold you accountable.”

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI, and, in particular, the members of the Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force.

The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Daniels is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.