Billings, Montana – A Billings man is facing federal charges for allegedly attempting to coerce and entice a minor into sex. Martin Leo Jimenez, 27, was arrested during a multi-agency law enforcement operation into the solicitation of sex with minors, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana.
On October 27 and 28, Jimenez communicated with an undercover law enforcement officer who was posing as the mother of an 11-year-old girl through social media forums. The government alleges that Jimenez expressed a sexual interest in incest and children, asked if the undercover officer wanted to meet, and sent the undercover officer a nude picture of himself.
Law enforcement set up surveillance near Jimenez’s residence, and the undercover officer directed Jimenez to a vehicle parked on the street. Officers arrested Jimenez when he approached the vehicle.
The operation targeted subjects soliciting minors online with intent to engage in sexual activity or attempting to meet adults trafficking minors for sex. The Billings Police Department, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and FBI conducted the operation.
Jimenez was arrested on October 28. He made an initial appearance on November 2 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan. Judge Cavan ordered Jimenez detained pending further proceedings.
The criminal complaint accuses Jimenez of attempted coercion and enticement. If convicted of the most serious crime, Jimenez faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years to life of supervised release.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Related Federal Cases
- Kyong Cha Roberts, Coercion and Enticement, Montana 2024 · North Dakota
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- Andrew Scott Brown, Coercion & Child Porn, Montana 2024 · Alabama
- Andrew Raymond Crum, Coercion or Enticement of a Minor, Missouri 2024 · New York
Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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