New Hampshire Man Faces Sentencing in Louisiana After Conviction on Multiple Charges Involving Child Exploitation
Benjamin Hart, a 28-year-old man from Weare, New Hampshire, has been found guilty of multiple charges related to the sexual exploitation of a child in Louisiana. Following a four-day jury trial in Washington Parish, Hart was convicted of computer-aided solicitation of a juvenile under 13, trafficking of a child for sexual purposes, and sexual battery of a juvenile under 13.
Prosecutors revealed that Hart met a 10-year-old boy in 2020 while playing Xbox, leading to communication through Snapchat where sexually explicit images were exchanged. Hart made regular trips to Louisiana to sexually abuse the child, often in his 18-wheeler. He provided gifts to the child, such as money, a cell phone, and gaming systems, as leverage for further sexual acts.
Hart is also facing 14 similar charges involving six victims in New Hampshire. The cases are still active, and Hart has active warrants for charges. Detectives initiated an investigation in November 2022, leading to Hart’s apprehension in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in April 2024.
Hart is set to be sentenced on May 16 and could potentially receive a 25 to 99-year sentence. The cases in New Hampshire will be addressed once the proceedings in Louisiana are finalized. Expert Richard Mello emphasizes the challenges that technology-related cases present for investigators and highlights data tracking from platforms like Xbox and Snapchat in tracking down offenders.
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