UC High Teacher Accused of Seeking Sex with Minor

A University City High School science teacher is facing federal charges after authorities say he attempted to pay for sex with what he believed was a 16-year-old girl. Sean Stevenson, 42, was taken into custody this week by the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, culminating an undercover operation that exposed his alleged predatory behavior.

The investigation didn’t begin with Stevenson in mind. Federal prosecutors revealed the case unfolded during a separate probe into active sex trafficking rings operating in the San Diego area. While monitoring online communications known to be used by traffickers, investigators stumbled upon messages indicating Stevenson’s disturbing interest in exploiting a minor. The initial digital footprint was enough to flag him for further scrutiny.

According to the criminal complaint, Stevenson expressed a clear willingness to engage in sexual acts with a minor through online messaging. Review of these communications, conducted via the Pinger app, allegedly showed Stevenson explicitly discussing and negotiating terms for sexual services. The feds say Stevenson didn’t appear to question the age of the individual he was communicating with, a significant factor in building the case.

To gather irrefutable evidence, the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force deployed an undercover officer posing as a sex trafficker. The officer, communicating through the Pinger app, presented Stevenson with a scenario involving a 16-year-old girl allegedly being exploited. Court documents detail a chilling back-and-forth where Stevenson reportedly negotiated a price of $140 for oral sex. He allegedly agreed to meet the officer at a designated location to complete the transaction.

Upon arriving at the pre-arranged meeting spot, Stevenson was immediately apprehended without incident. He now faces a federal charge of Attempted Enticement of a Minor, a serious felony under 18 U.S.C. § 3131. This charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, and potentially life, along with a hefty fine. Sentencing guidelines will be determined by the judge based on the severity of the offense and Stevenson’s criminal history.

University City High School officials have confirmed Stevenson’s employment and stated they are cooperating fully with the investigation. He has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the legal proceedings. This case highlights the insidious ways predators attempt to exploit vulnerable children and the crucial work of the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force in disrupting these criminal networks.

The San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force is comprised of officers from multiple agencies, including the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the San Diego Police Department. Their relentless efforts are aimed at identifying, rescuing, and supporting victims of human trafficking while bringing perpetrators to justice. The Task Force urges anyone with information about potential trafficking activity to contact them immediately.

Stevenson is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mitchell Dembin for his initial arraignment. He is expected to enter a plea at that time. The feds are building a solid case, and a conviction appears likely given the evidence already presented. This case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers lurking online and the importance of protecting our children.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice