Dassahed Marines, Luring a Minor, Texas 2018

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Texas Man Sentenced for Luring Minor

A 29-year-old McAllen man has been handed a 10-year prison sentence for attempting to lure a minor into engaging in unlawful sexual activity.

Between December 6th and 7th, 2018, Dassahed Marines, used a cell phone and social media apps Whisper and KIK to persuade and entice a 13-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity. He initially contacted the minor through Whisper but continued sending explicit messages via KIK, attempting to convince her to meet at a local park for a sexual encounter.

Maries was arrested once he arrived at the location. He pleaded guilty on October 16th, 2019.

U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera Jr. ordered Marines to serve 120 months in federal prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release. During this time, he will be required to comply with various conditions designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He will also be registered as a sex offender.

The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations – Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ana C. Cano and Jose Esquivel Jr. prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Marines’ conviction is a significant blow to those who exploit and harm children. It serves as a reminder that law enforcement agencies and prosecutors are committed to protecting our communities and holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes.

As part of his supervised release, Marines will be required to participate in sex offender treatment, attend counseling sessions, and submit to regular polygraph tests. He will also be barred from accessing the internet or using social media during his supervised release period.