A New York man was arrested today after travelling from New York to New Jersey to meet an individual, whom he believed was a 13-year old girl, for sex, U.S Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
According to officials, Eduardo Silva, 42, of Bronx, New York, is charged in a three-count complaint with enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity, travelling from New York to New Jersey for the purpose of engaging in unlawful sexual conduct, and sending obscene materials over the Internet.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On September 5, Silva, while using an online social media application, sent a message to an individual he believed was an underage girl, but who was actually an undercover federal agent.
Silva asked whether the minor was “into older guys” and over the course of the next several days sent a series of online communications and text messages, discussing his intent to travel and engage in sexual activity.
He also sent sexually explicit images of his genitals to the individual, whom he believed was a minor.
On September 23, Silva was arrested when he travelled to a motel in Bordentown, intending to meet a 13-year-old girl for sex.
If you have information regarding the pending prosecution, or you believe you or someone you know may have been victimized by the defendant, the Department of Homeland Security requests that you contact them at 1-866-347-2423.
Identified victims may be eligible for certain services and rights under federal and state law.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.