Stephen Scott Meals, Child Sexual Exploitation, Texas 2023

Corpus Christi Man Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison for Child Sexual Exploitation

A 39-year-old Corpus Christi man, Stephen Scott Meals, has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for producing child pornography and sexually exploiting a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Meals pleaded guilty on February 20 and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos to serve 600 months in prison. The court heard testimony from a medical expert regarding the evidence of abuse and from the victim's guardian about the impact Meals' actions have had on her family.

The investigation revealed that Meals had been grooming his victim over many years, gaining her trust and the trust of her family. He initiated a sexual relationship with the 15-year-old female while her family was displaced during Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Meals had hoped to marry her, 22 years his junior at the time.

When authorities identified the victim, she was wearing a promise ring Meals had given her. In November 2018, law enforcement learned of the sexual relationship and seized Meals' electronic devices. Forensic evaluation revealed several pornographic images of the child victim in a secure folder on his cellular phone.

Meals was further ordered to serve the rest of his life on supervised release following completion of his prison term, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.

The Corpus Christi Police Department - Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Immigration and Custom's Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany L. Jensen prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Meals' crimes are a stark reminder of the dangers of child sexual exploitation and the importance of protecting our children. The sentence handed down today is a significant step towards justice for the victim and her family.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/local-man-who-wanted-marry-child-victim-sent-prison-50-years