A federal grand jury has indicted Edy Antonio, Jr., a 30-year-old resident of Salinas, California, on charges of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor for criminal sexual conduct. The indictment follows an earlier charge filed on May 13, 2025.
The allegations against Antonio state that he used his cell phone to try to persuade two minors into engaging in illegal sexual activities. On April 21, 2025, Antonio reportedly responded to an advertisement on a website known for promoting commercial sex services. The ad involved two minors whom he believed were aged 12 and 14. He allegedly agreed via text message to pay $500 for sexual conduct with the minors and was subsequently arrested by Salinas Police Department officers at a hotel where the meeting was arranged.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Tatum King announced the indictment.
Antonio was taken into custody in Salinas on May 20, 2025, and made his initial court appearance the same day before being released on bond. His next court date is set for June 10, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen.
The indictment is not proof of guilt; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt. If convicted, Antonio could face life imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000 under violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b). Sentencing would consider U.S. Sentencing Guidelines along with federal statute provisions under 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Chang is handling the prosecution with assistance from Natachiana Burney and Susan Kreider following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Salinas Police Department.
