Hugo Perez Banda, Enticing a Minor to Engage in Sex, Pennsylvania 2015

In a disturbing case, Hugo Perez Banda, a 28-year-old Scranton man, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for using an interstate communication device to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Banda pleaded guilty to utilizing the internet and a cellular device to knowingly attempt to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity in March 2015.

The charges were brought after Scranton Police received a complaint that Banda had communicated with a 14-year-old minor using Facebook, and requested the minor to both send photographs of her genital area to Banda over the internet, and to accompany Banda to a local motel in order to engage in sexual intercourse.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Edwin M. Kosik also ordered that Banda be supervised by a probation officer for five years following his release from prison. It is also noted that Banda is subject to deportation upon his release from prison.

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Scranton Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd K. Hinkley.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Hugo Perez Banda’s sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of online predators and the importance of vigilance in protecting our children from harm.

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