A Snohomish County man, Bennett S. Park, aged 43, has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Seattle to charges of producing images of child sexual abuse and attempting to entice minors. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Park's arrest occurred in August 2023 when he attempted to pick up a 13-year-old in Everett, Washington, after telling an undercover officer of his plans to molest the minor.
During sentencing by U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez, prosecutors are set to recommend a prison term not exceeding 25 years, while the defense will suggest no less than 20 years. However, Judge Martinez is not obliged to follow these recommendations. Sentencing is scheduled for April 25, 2025.
The plea agreement reveals that Park responded to an online advertisement posted by an undercover Homeland Security Investigation agent in July 2023. The ad falsely claimed access to young children available for molestation. Park expressed interest and mentioned ongoing molestation of children aged between 11 and 17 and his intention to meet a fictional child described by the agent.
Following his arrest on August 8, 2023, law enforcement discovered communications with numerous minors on various platforms such as Instagram, Discord, Snapchat, Facebook, Gmail, and Zoom on Park's electronic devices. Twenty-three minor victims were identified who had been convinced by Park to provide images of sexual abuse.
The production of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and can extend up to 30 years in prison. Attempted enticement of a minor has a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and can lead up to life imprisonment.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide.
Homeland Security Investigations is conducting the investigation into this case while Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson leads the prosecution.
