A Texan has been sentenced for attempting to sexually exploit a 13-year-old Maine child online.
U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen on Wednesday sentenced Juan Jose Torres, 27, to 11 years in prison followed by seven years of supervised release, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.
Torres found the 13-year-old on Snapchat and sent the child a friend request. They also communicated on Instagram and by text, phone and FaceTime, the U.S. attorney’s office said.
In December 2021, Torres began coercing and enticing the child to send him sexually explicit images and videos. The U.S. attorney’s office said that Torres sent the child sexually explicit photos of himself despite knowing the victim was 13 years old.
When the child didn’t comply, Torres became angry or threatened to harm himself.
This went on until the child’s father became aware of “disturbing” Instagram messages from Torres to his child and alerted police, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.
Police later found numerous sexually explicit images and videos on Torres’ phone in Texas.
Torres pleaded guilty in May in U.S. District Court in Portland to coercion and enticement of a minor.
“Mr. Torres pretended to be something he wasn’t to befriend these young victims, then manipulated and exploited them into a situation they were too young to handle. The crime of sextortion is increasing alarmingly, and these cases so often end tragically with young victims feeling they have no way out,” U.S. Attorney Darcie McElwee said in a statement. “Thankfully, a vigilant parent realized what was happening and immediately contacted police, averting what could have been a tragedy and likely preventing additional victims.”
