A Massachusetts man was charged federally on Aug. 5 for allegedly attempting to entice a person he believed to be a 14-year-old female to engage in sexual activity and traveling to Rhode Island to meet her.
Jung H. Nam, 35, faces charges of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, and possession and receipt of child sexual abuse material. Nam made his initial appearance in federal court on July 29 following the complaint.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, an East Providence Police Detective assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force began an undercover online investigation using a social application in July 2025. The detective posed as a minor during conversations with Nam, who allegedly discussed plans for sexual activity and traveled to Warwick, Rhode Island, for the meeting. On July 7, 2025, after arranging the meeting location in Warwick, Nam arrived at the site where he was taken into custody by members of the task force. He was initially charged in Rhode Island District Court and later faced charges in Kent County Superior Court; those state charges are still pending.
Investigators conducting a state-authorized search of Nam’s cell phone found multiple images and videos containing child sexual abuse material involving prepubescent minors. Assistant United States Attorney Denise M. Barton is prosecuting the case.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and Rhode Island State Police. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice that brings together federal, state, and local resources against child exploitation crimes online.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Rhode Island enforces federal laws across Rhode Island through prosecutions and civil actions that protect public safety—including initiatives like Project Safe Childhood—and works with agencies such as Homeland Security Investigations and other partners, according to its official website.