Ithaca Man Admits Driving to Broome For Sex With Little Girls

An Ithaca man is headed to federal prison after pleading guilty to attempted online enticement of a minor.

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50-year-old Jeffrey Blake admitted that between June 12 and August 23 of 2019 he exchanged text messages with an undercover officer he thought was the mother of 9 and 13-year-old girls in order to set up a meeting in Broome County to have sex with the two children.

Federal prosecutors say Blake also sent text messages to the officer, thinking he was communicating with the children, reassuring them about his planned encounter with them.

Authorities say on August 23, 2019, Blake drove to Broome County with sex devices and birth control as well as jewelry and stuffed animals intended as gifts for the girls but was met by law enforcement officers and arrested.

Blake faces a mandatory minimum of 10 year and a maximum of up to life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.  He is also required to register as a sex offender.

Sentencing is scheduled for September.