Bradenton man faked his age on Snapchat to exploit teenager, prosecutors say
A federal judge sentenced a Bradenton man to more than 15 years in prison after prosecutors said he coerced a 14-year-old into sex acts on social media.
James Stephen Ahearn Jr., 33, received a sentence of 15 years and 8 months in federal prison for coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, as well as receipt and possession of child sex abuse material, according to prosecutors.
The sentencing follows Ahearn’s guilty plea on May 5, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
Investigators said Ahearn posed as a 19-year-old on Snapchat to contact a 14-year-old victim and coerce them to engage in sexual activity.
During a search of Ahearn’s cellphone, investigators reported finding additional sexually explicit conversations with underage girls, along with images of child sex abuse material he had requested and received.
The case was investigated by the FBI, according to prosecutors.
