Texas Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Sextortion

Juan Jose Torres enticed the young victims into sending graphic images, videos then threatened them for more

PORTLAND, Maine – A Texas man was sentenced Dec. 4 in U.S. District Court in Portland for coercion and enticement of a minor.

U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Juan Jose Torres, 27, to 132 months in prison followed by seven years of supervised release after a Homeland Security Investigations case found he had coerced children he met on Instagram to send him graphic images of themselves.

According to court records, in December 2021, the father of one of the victims contacted law enforcement after discovering that the child had sent sexually explicit photos and videos to someone who had befriended the child on Instagram. A Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigation showed that the victim and another child, both in their early teens, were coaxed and coerced into creating and sending graphic and sexually explicit material of themselves to Torres. If the victims hesitated, Torres threatened to harm himself or post the images online if they did not comply. When he was arrested in February 2023, Torres told investigators that he was “just having fun” and that he threatened the young victims because he “liked the attention from them.”

“Torres manipulated children into providing explicit photos to him, using fear and threats to coerce them after they realized they wanted to stop,” said HSI New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol. “This crime happens all too often, and victims often feel trapped and that there’s nowhere for them to turn. We want victims and families to know that they are not alone, and there is always help available through HSI and our partners.”

“Mr. Torres pretended to be something he wasn’t to befriend these young victims, then manipulated and exploited them into a situation they were too young to handle. The crime of sextortion is increasing alarmingly, and these cases so often end tragically with young victims feeling they have no way out,” said U.S. Attorney Darcie McElwee. “Thankfully, a vigilant parent realized what was happening and immediately contacted police, averting what could have been a tragedy and likely preventing additional victims. It is so important to talk to children about why it is never safe to share intimate images, videos or livestreams with anyone – even someone they know, love or trust.”

HSI New England’s Portland Resident Agent in Charge office investigated the case.

HSI is a global leader in the fight against child exploitation. Last year, HSI special agents dedicated 1.2 million case hours toward investigating child exploitation. This heinous crime harms the most vulnerable in our society: our kids. As technology evolves and more people have access to the internet, children are at a greater risk than ever. HSI’s special agents and analysts around the world are dedicated to countering this threat.

Report suspected child exploitation to the HSI Tip Line at 1-877-447-4847 or through the CyberTipline on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's website.

HSI’s Project iGuardian is focused on keeping children and teens safe from online predators through education and awareness. Schools, parent groups, and other community groups can request in-person educational outreach presentations to learn about the dangers of online environments, how to stay safe online, and how to report abuse and suspicious activity.

Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, @HSINewEngland to learn more about HSI’s global missions and operations.