⏱ 2 min read
Matthew Thomas Becker, a 23-year-old from Boone, North Carolina, was convicted of coercing a 14-year-old into sending him explicit content on social media. Between February 17 and March 3, 2023, Becker posed as a teenage girl on X (formerly Twitter) and exchanged sexual messages and images with the minor. After learning the victim’s age, Becker still negotiated to pay for and receive explicit videos.
Becker’s disturbing actions included selling the victim access to a cloud-based folder containing explicit images and videos, claiming they were of the girl he pretended to be. The victim sent Becker explicit videos on two occasions, despite Becker’s knowledge of the minor’s age.
The FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI’s Charlotte Office. Becker faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison when sentenced on December 16.
This conviction is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The case highlights the importance of monitoring online activities and reporting suspicious behavior to prevent such crimes.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Sex Crimes
- Defendant: North Carolina
- Location: VA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Sex CrimesSex CrimesSex CrimesSex Crimes