Florida Predator Nabbed in NY: Sex with Minor, Porn Charges

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Jose Francisco Cardoso Tehovnik, 21, of Orlando, Florida, is facing a lifetime behind bars after a cross-state pursuit and arrest on charges of exploiting a minor. U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Tehovnik has been charged with enticement of a minor, and production, receipt, and possession of child pornography – offenses that carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a potential life sentence.

The investigation, spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Niagara Falls Police Department, revealed a chilling pattern of online grooming. According to court documents, Tehovnik initiated contact with a minor female (the victim) in the Western District of New York via Instagram in February 2024. The conversations quickly migrated to Snapchat, where Tehovnik allegedly engaged in the exchange of nude images, including child pornography depicting the victim herself. He then began plotting a trip to meet her.

In April 2024, Tehovnik followed through, flying from Florida to New York to engage in sexual activity with the victim before returning home. Undeterred, he resurfaced on June 4, 2024, traveling back to Western New York, picking up the victim, and transporting her to New Jersey. It was in New Jersey that law enforcement finally caught up with Tehovnik and the victim, taking him into custody.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin M. Higgins, leading the prosecution, emphasized the severity of the charges. The complaint details a deliberate and predatory scheme, leveraging social media to target a vulnerable individual and orchestrate travel for illicit purposes. The FBI, under Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Niagara Falls Police Department, led by Superintendent Nicholas Ligammari, worked collaboratively to dismantle the operation.

Tehovnik made an initial court appearance in the District of New Jersey and will be extradited back to the Western District of New York to face the full weight of the law. The charges against him are a stark reminder of the dangers lurking online and the relentless efforts of law enforcement to protect children.

It is crucial to remember that an indictment is not a determination of guilt, and the defendant, Jose Francisco Cardoso Tehovnik, is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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