HSI San Diego and human trafficking task force arrest University City High School teacher charged with attempted enticement of a minor

SAN DIEGO, CA. – A high school science teacher at University City High School, was arrested yesterday by the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force and charged in federal court with attempted enticement of a minor. Homeland Security Investigations and the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force are investigating this case.

Sean Stevenson, 58, of San Diego, was scheduled to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mitchell Dembin Oct. 25, at 2 p.m.

Stevenson’s alleged illicit activity was discovered during another sex trafficking investigation. According to a criminal complaint, a review of messages from that investigation identified Stevenson as interested in paying for sex with a minor.

An undercover law enforcement officer began text messaging with Stevenson via the Pinger application. The officer claimed to be sex trafficking her 16-year-old cousin.

The complaint states that Oct. 23, Stevenson messaged the undercover officer and negotiated a price of $140 for oral sex from a 16-year-old girl. Stevenson and the undercover officer agreed to meet early on Oct. 24, on El Cajon Boulevard for the “date” with the minor. Stevenson arrived at the location around 7 a.m. and was arrested.

The complaint states that $140 was found in Stevenson’s car.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Derek Ko and Andrew Sherwood.

Anyone can report suspicious criminal activity to the HSI Tip Line 866-DHS-2423 (866-347-2423) or call 802-872-6199. Highly trained specialists take reports from both the public and law enforcement agencies related to laws enforced by HSI. You may remain anonymous.

The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel, and finance move. HSI’s workforce of more than 8,700 employees consists of more than 6,000 special agents assigned to 237 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’ largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.