Union County, New Jersey, Man Charged with Enticing a Child to Engage in Sexual Activity

NEWARK, N.J. – A Union County, New Jersey, man was arrested today for allegedly enticing a child with whom he had an online relationship to engage in sexual activity from 2008 through July 2011, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Eric Bing, 28, of Clark, New Jersey, was charged by complaint with enticing a child to engage in sexual activity. Bing is scheduled to make his initial court appearance later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court.

According to the complaint:

In 2008, Bing, posing as a famous band singer, allegedly began an online relationship with a girl living overseas who was approximately 14 years old at the time. He used internet-based communications, including chat, email, online video games, and a one-way webcam. Bing made increasingly explicit sexual requests to the victim for her to send pictures and videos of herself using her webcam. The victim complied with many of these requests between 2008 and 2010.

The enticement count with which Bing is charged carries a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Kelly, with the investigation leading to the charge.

The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Tyler of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.

The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Bing, Eric Complaint