Ithaca Man Arraigned in Johnson City For Alleged Attempt to Lure Girls

An Ithaca man is accused of attempting to coerce two girls he believed to be 9 and 13-years-old to engage in sexual acts with him.

49-year-old Jeffrey Blake has been arraigned in Johnson City on a federal complaint charging him with attempting to entice and coerce two minors into a sexual act.

Federal prosecutors say the charge filed against Blake carries a possible minimum of ten years and a maximum of life in prison.  Blake could also be fined up to $250,000.

Blake was being detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Attorney's Office news release did not provide an anticipated date for those proceedings.