Tampa, Florida – Mateus Fernandes Evangelista Da Silva, a 23-year-old Brazilian national, has pleaded guilty to attempted sex trafficking of a child, announced United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.
The crime occurred on October 6, 2021, when Evangelista Da Silva used his cellphone to communicate with an undercover agent who purported to have access to two minor children, ages 13 and 14. He coordinated a meeting and travelled to a designated location in St. Petersburg, Florida to meet the fictitious children for the purposes of engaging in sex. Once Evangelista Da Silva arrived, he stated he wanted to engage in oral sex and vaginal intercourse with the 13-year-old and paid the undercover agent $200.
As part of the plea agreement, Evangelista Da Silva will forfeit the electronic devices he used in committing the offense and make restitution to victims associated with this case who have been identified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Evaneglista Da Silva faces a minimum mandatory term of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell.
This case was brought as part of the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force of the Middle District of Florida, which is one of 13 task forces in the country to receive grant funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
Mateus Fernandes Evangelista Da Silva, Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Child, Florida, 10/6/2021
Defendant: Mateus Fernandes Evangelista Da Silva
Criminal Charges: Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Child
City and State: Tampa, Florida
Exact Date: October 6, 2021
Sentence or Outcome: Faces a minimum mandatory term of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison
Dollar Amounts: $200
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Human Trafficking|Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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