Eric Jin, a 31-year-old resident of San Diego, was sentenced to 262 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to sexually exploiting a 14-year-old girl. According to court documents, Jin instructed the minor to take sexually explicit photos of herself without clothing in December 2022 and February 2023. He also directed her to carve his first name, “Eric,” into her skin and send him a photograph. Jin admitted he knew the victim was underage at the time.
In addition, Jin acknowledged possessing and sending images of other minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct via his cell phone.
During sentencing, U.S. District Judge Jinsook Ohta addressed Jin’s actions by stating that his “truly hurtful and evil actions on young children …defies adequate description.”
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon commented on the case: “Mr. Jin managed to exploit a vulnerable child despite the parents’ diligent efforts to protect her. This office will do everything legally possible to achieve justice for children and hold predators like the defendant accountable.”
Special Agent in Charge Mark Dargis of the FBI San Diego Field Office stated: “Today’s sentence demonstrates the seriousness with which the FBI takes crimes-against-children investigations. Jin coerced heinous activity from an innocent 14-year-old girl, unconscionable demands no child should ever have to endure. The FBI will continue to do everything within our authorities to hold accountable those who sexually exploit children, vigorously investigating such actions to protect the most vulnerable in our community.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading up to these charges.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Sherwood and Katie Grammenidis.
Jin was charged with sexual exploitation of a minor under Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2251(a) and (e), which carries a maximum penalty of thirty years in prison, with a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years and a $500,000 fine.
The FBI advises parents to maintain open communication about safe online behavior with their children and encourages reporting any inappropriate contact between adults and minors either through law enforcement or directly at tips.fbi.gov or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324).
