Tampa, FL – In a shocking turn of events, Matthew William McLean (26, Minneapolis) was today sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven to 31 years and 6 months in federal prison for his sinister attempt to transport a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
McLean’s despicable actions came to light when he traveled from Minnesota to Tampa, meeting a 14-year-old girl whom he had been communicating with online. The predator picked up the young victim at her home and purchased bus tickets for both of them to travel to Brownsville, Texas. However, law enforcement was quick to act after the girl’s family reported her missing.
Investigations revealed that McLean and the minor had been traveling together from Tampa to Tallahassee when they were apprehended. Both parties confessed to having engaged in sex acts on the bus during their journey. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Tallahassee Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation worked tirelessly to bring McLean to justice.
This case is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by sexual predators who use the internet to exploit children. It also highlights the effectiveness of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice. Under this program, federal, state, and local agencies collaborate to identify, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children.
Assistant United States Attorney Stacie B. Harris prosecuted this case with determination, ensuring that justice was served for the innocent victim. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
Related Federal Cases
- Live Nation Faces Trial Over Monopoly Practices · Washington
- $4 Million Telemarketing Scam Nets Prison Terms for Two · North Carolina
- Amgen Pays $71M for Pushing Drugs Off-Label · Washington
- Amgen Inc. $71M Settlement · Washington
- Western Union Scam · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Human Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News