Alamdar Hamdani U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A man from Rohnert Park, California, has been sentenced to 136 months in federal prison for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. Brian Edward May, aged 46, pleaded guilty on November 14, 2024. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton determined that May was a repeat and dangerous offender against minors, leading to an enhanced sentence. The court also heard evidence that May continued predatory sexual conduct against children after being released on bond from state custody.
Following his prison term, May will be subject to 15 years of supervised release with strict requirements limiting his access to children and the internet. He is also required to register as a sex offender.
“In today’s online world, predators can gain near-instantaneous virtual access to children,” said Ganjei. “The Southern District of Texas office is working hand in glove with our federal and state law enforcement partners to identify and pursue these predators before they can victimize innocent children.”
Craig Larrabee, Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) - San Antonio, emphasized the importance of protecting children from exploitation: “Today’s sentence means this defendant is no longer free to prey upon the most vulnerable among us.”
May had operated an online account under the name "dirtyman" and contacted someone he believed was a 14-year-old child on April 19, 2023. He arranged a meeting for illegal sexual activity at a park in McAllen while working there as a contractor.
Authorities reviewing May's electronic devices found messages indicating attempts to pay adults for access to children for illegal activities and files containing child sexual abuse material.
Homeland Security Investigations and McAllen Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin V. Walker prosecuted the case under Project Safe Childhood (PSC), an initiative by the Department of Justice launched in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse.
May will remain in custody until transferred to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
