San Diego Man Admits to Sexual Exploitation of 14 Year Old Girl

SAN DIEGO - Eric Jin of San Diego pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he persuaded a 14-year-old girl to send him sexually explicit photographs of herself, including an image of her leg where she had carved the defendant's name into her skin with a knife at his direction.

Jin was indicted on May 15, 2024. He pleaded guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in connection with his online communications with the girl. For example, according to his plea agreement, Jin demanded that she take sexually graphic pictures of herself without clothing in December 2022 and again in February 2023. The girl did as Jin directed and sent him the photos. It was on the February date that he ordered her to carve his first name into her skin and send him a photo.

Jin also admitted to sending the victim images of other minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

"This defendant repeatedly victimized, exploited, and literally scarred a child," said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. "This horrific crime serves as a reminder to keep a very close eye on who kids are talking to online."

"While all crimes we investigate are deplorable, the sexual exploitation of children is an especially flagitious violation," said FBI San Diego Acting Special Agent in Charge Houtan Moshrefi. "Let Eric Jin's guilty plea be a clear message that the FBI and its partners will aggressively pursue people who intend to exploit children in such a despicable manner."

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Sherwood and Katie Grammenidis.

The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on January 24, 2025.

DEFENDANT Case Number 24cr1071-JO

Eric Jin Age: 30 San Diego, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Sexual Exploitation of a Minor - Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2251(a) and (e)

Maximum penalty: Thirty years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a $500,000 fine

INVESTIGATING AGENCY

Federal Bureau of Investigation