Sean Stevenson, Attempted Enticement of a Minor, California 2024

Former University City High School Teacher Sentenced to 120 Months for Attempted Child Sex

San Diego, CA – In a shocking case of child exploitation, Sean Stevenson, a former high school science teacher at University City High School, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for attempting to purchase oral sex from a 16-year-old minor.

Stevenson, who was still a high school teacher at the time of the offense, pleaded guilty on June 13, 2024, to one count of Attempted Enticement of a Minor. The sentencing was handed down in federal court on September 5, 2024.

According to court documents, Stevenson used a voice over internet protocol (VOIP) line to negotiate by text message for commercial sex with an individual who went by the name of Kash, who represented to Stevenson that she was 20 years old. However, it was later revealed that Kash was actually an undercover officer (UC).

Between April 9, 2023, and April 16, 2023, Stevenson offered Kash a fee to find a female under the age of 18 for Stevenson. In pertinent part, Stevenson stated to Kash the following: "And I don’t suppose you know in[sic] younger girls I could pay u a premium for?" "I pay u a finders fee and I pay her" "The younger the better." "Just keep it in mind if you come across any high school age girls" "Not young enough" (in response to Kash suggesting an 18 year old).

Between October 2, 2023, and October 24, 2023, Stevenson continued to negotiate by text message for commercial sex with an individual he believed to be Kash, but who was actually the UC. When the UC referenced a 16-year-old cousin as being available for commercial sex with Stevenson, he responded "Oh … yes!" and negotiated for the following: $150 for a “bbbj” (oral copulation without a condom) $100 for manual genital stimulation A “car date” (a commercial sex encounter that occurs inside a vehicle).

On October 17, 2023, Stevenson messaged the UC "Do you still have a younger girl?" and again negotiated the exchange of $150 for "bbbj" with the 16-year-old cousin. On October 23, 2023, Stevenson re-engaged with the UC to confirm he still wanted to meet with the 16-year-old cousin for a commercial sex date. In pertinent part, Stevenson stated the following to the UC: "Ok, and $150 for a cardate bbbj. No condom." "Also, can you send a pic of your cousin please?" (lips emoji) "Sexy pic"

On October 24, 2023, Stevenson agreed to meet with the 16-year-old cousin for the commercial sex date. The UC provided an address in San Diego, to which Stevenson asked, "what is she wearing?" (in reference to the 16-year-old cousin). Stevenson also renegotiated a fee of $140 for oral sex.

On October 24, 2023, at approximately 7:00 a.m., Stevenson arrived at the provided location. Stevenson drove to a parking lot where he had a full, unobstructed view of the meeting location and then drove laps near the location where Stevenson was told the 16-year-old cousin would be arriving. Stevenson was stopped and placed under arrest. During the arrest, $140 cash was located in the driver’s side door storage area of Stevenson’s sports car.

"Mr. Stevenson’s determination to purchase sex acts from a minor is appalling," said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. "Thankfully he was caught before harming an actual child. The sentence imposed today reflects the magnitude of our commitment to protecting the vulnerable from exploitation."

"I have a simple message for all those who target children for sex online: If you go after children in California, we’ll go after you," said Attorney General Bonta. "Today’s announcement makes it clear that child sexual exploitation will not be tolerated. I’m extremely grateful to our San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force and our federal partners for their dedication and commitment to keeping our communities safe. My office always stands ready to work with our partners across California to fight for our children and for public safety."

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