ALBUQUERQUE – Adrian Puentes, 25, of Albuquerque, has admitted to a sickening pattern of online predation, pleading guilty to federal charges of coercion and enticement of minors. The case, a grim reminder of the dangers lurking on social media, reveals a calculated effort to exploit vulnerable young victims.
Court records detail how, between June 2021 and March 2023, Puentes used Instagram and Snapchat as hunting grounds. He targeted two victims under the age of 18, relentlessly pressuring them into engaging in illegal sexual activity. The details are disturbing: Puentes didn’t simply ask; he coerced, using manipulation and outright threats.
In one particularly chilling instance, Puentes allegedly threatened one of his victims, demanding sexually explicit photographs and escalating to a promise of public humiliation if she refused to comply. The other victim was lured into an in-person meeting under the guise of a casual encounter, with Puentes even providing money for her transportation – a calculated move to facilitate the abuse.
Puentes knowingly preyed on minors, fully aware of their age and vulnerability. He now faces a substantial prison sentence for his depraved actions. He pleaded guilty to two counts of coercion and enticement of a minor, and at sentencing, faces not less than 10 years and up to life in prison. This isn’t just about punishment; it’s about accountability for inflicting lasting trauma.
Upon release, Puentes will be subject to a minimum of five years – and potentially a lifetime – of supervised release, and will be required to register as a sex offender, a permanent marker of his crimes. The announcement came today from U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office. The FBI Albuquerque Field Office led the investigation, receiving vital assistance from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case under the umbrella of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 to combat the escalating epidemic of child sexual exploitation. This case underscores the critical need for continued vigilance and resource allocation to protect children online. More information on Project Safe Childhood can be found at Justice.gov/PSC. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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