On Wednesday, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut John Durham announced a New Haven federal grand jury’s indictment of Norwich man William Meier for allegedly soliciting sex with a minor.

Meier, 38, of 301 Central Ave., was charged with one count of the use of the internet to attempt to persuade a minor to engage in sexual activity and one count of attempted transfer of obscene materials to a minor. He pleaded not guilty to these charges.

“The indictment alleges that, on August 5, 2020, Meier transferred an obscene image to a person that he believed was under the age of 16, and that he used a cellphone and an internet-based messaging application in an attempt to solicit illicit sex with a minor,” a press release from the U.S. Attorney of Connecticut’s office reads. 

Meier has been detained since New London police arrested him for related charges on Aug. 6. His charges carry a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum term of life in prison. 

The investigation into Meier is being conducted by the FBI and the New London Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Doherty is prosecuting the case.

On Aug. 11, The Day reported that Meier had been arrested at his Norwich home on Aug. 6 by New London police with assistance from the FBI New Haven Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force. At the time, he was charged with second-degree criminal attempt of sexual assault, criminal attempt of risk of injury to a minor, use of a computer to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity and carrying a dangerous weapon.