BRATTLEBORO, VT (MyKeeneNow) A 49-year-old man from Keene is facing a federal charge after investigators say he crossed state lines intending to meet a minor for sex as part of an undercover sting operation in southern Vermont.

Michael Healey Jr. was charged by criminal complaint with traveling in interstate commerce to engage in illicit sexual conduct, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont.

Authorities say Healey initially appeared in federal court on May 1 before a magistrate judge. During a follow-up detention hearing on May 4, a judge ordered that he be released under specific conditions while the case moves forward, the release said.

Court documents allege Healey communicated online with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 14-year-old girl. Investigators say he later agreed to pay $200 in exchange for sex and arranged to meet at a hotel in Brattleboro.

According to a news release, Healey traveled to the hotel on the evening of April 30 and was taken into custody after approaching the room where he believed the girl was waiting. Officers reported finding $200 in cash on him at the time of his arrest, the release said.

Federal prosecutors emphasized that the charge is an allegation and that Healey is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison, though any sentence would ultimately be determined by a judge using federal guidelines and other statutory factors, the release said.

The investigation was led by the FBI, with assistance from the Vermont Drug Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua L. Banker, while Healey is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.

Officials said the case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat child exploitation and abuse.