John Francis Aragon, 50, of Virginia Beach, admitted in federal court today to attempting to lure a minor into sexual activity — a crime he pursued through explicit online chats and clandestine exchanges in a local park. Aragon pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor, capping a nearly year-long investigation rooted in a Craigslist ad that screamed danger.
The sordid case began in May 2016 when Aragon posted a message on Craigslist seeking ‘fetish sex with young girl.’ What he didn’t know: the ‘girl’ was a Virginia Beach Police detective in an undercover operation. Their conversations quickly turned graphic, with Aragon detailing sexual acts he wanted to perform with the supposed 14-year-old. As the exchange intensified, Homeland Security Investigations took over, with an agent assuming the role of the minor.
Over several weeks, Aragon left cash under a rock at a Virginia Beach park — each time in exchange for a pair of the girl’s underwear. He repeatedly expressed his desire to meet in person for sex. On August 16, 2016, Aragon showed up at the park, ready to carry out his plan. Instead, he was met by federal agents and arrested on the spot.
Aragon was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 21, 2016, and now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, with a maximum penalty of life. Sentencing is scheduled for February 24, 2017, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Miller, who accepted the guilty plea. The court will weigh the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors before imposing a final sentence.
The case was announced by Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Michael K. Lamonea, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of HSI Norfolk; and Virginia Beach Police Chief James A. Cervera. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth M. Yusi is prosecuting the case, which falls under Project Safe Childhood — a DOJ initiative launched in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation online.
Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state, and local efforts to identify, rescue, and protect child victims while hunting down predators who use the internet to exploit minors. Court documents in Aragon’s case, filed under Case No. 2:16-cr-129, are available through the Eastern District of Virginia’s District Court and PACER. More information on the initiative can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
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Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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