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Guatemalan Man Charged with Coercing Minor for Sex
A disturbing case of attempted coercion has unfolded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where a 26-year-old Guatemalan man is facing federal charges for his alleged role in luring a minor into a sex crime.
Horacio Miranda-Mejia, a native of Guatemala, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts: attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity and illegal re-entry of a removed alien. According to the indictment, Miranda-Mejia used cellular telephone networks and the internet to persuade, induce, entice, or coerce an individual who had not attained the age of 18, to engage in unlawful sexual activity between June 22nd and June 25th, 2021.
The indictment also alleges that on June 25th, 2021, Miranda-Mejia was unlawfully present in the United States after having been previously deported.
Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin J. Risacher is handling the prosecution, which was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, alongside United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The law mandates a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison, with a fine of up to $250,000 and supervised release for a term of years not less than five.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Miranda-Mejia’s case serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that lurk online and the importance of protecting our children from predators.
The investigation and prosecution of such cases demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to safeguarding the well-being of our communities.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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