Long Beach Sex Offender Indicted in Child Trafficking Sting

Victor James Sporman, 46, a convicted sex offender from Long Beach, is facing federal indictment on charges of attempted sex trafficking of a child and using the Internet to entice a minor into criminal sexual activity, according to a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Los Angeles.

The charges stem from an undercover sting operation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigation (HSI), which posted a decoy ad on Craigslist offering a 15-year-old girl for a $200 sex act. Sporman responded to the ad on October 26 via email and began exchanging text messages with an undercover agent he believed was the underage girl, agreeing to pay $200 for sex.

During the digital exchange, Sporman sent multiple photos of himself, cash, and his genitals. Authorities say he prepared for the December 6 encounter by purchasing condoms and arrived at the designated hotel with approximately $200 and two condoms in his possession. He was arrested moments later by federal agents.

Sporman, who previously resided in Bellflower, was arraigned the following day and released on a $40,000 bond. He is scheduled to be formally arraigned on January 3 in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

“This defendant is charged with using the Internet to locate a child to rape in exchange for money,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “This indictment reflects conduct that is abhorrent in a civilized society.” Each count carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.

HSI Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Joseph Macias warned predators: “The brazen individuals stalking children online will be hunted down.” Investigators believe Sporman may have additional unidentified underage victims and urge tips via HSI’s hotline at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or online. The case was investigated by HSI’s Los Angeles Human Smuggling and Trafficking Group with support from Long Beach Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lana Morton-Owens.

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