Natalie K. Wight, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon
A Tacoma, Washington man has been sentenced to federal prison for using social media platforms to coerce a minor into sending sexually explicit materials and engaging in self-harm. Brandon Kuper, aged 22, received a sentence of 165 months in federal prison followed by ten years of supervised release.
Court documents reveal that in November 2022, Kuper contacted a minor through Discord and Snapchat. He developed an online relationship with the victim and coerced them into producing and sending sexually explicit photos and videos. When the victim resisted some of his requests, Kuper threatened harm against the victim and their family. The threats continued until the victim reported him to their parents and law enforcement.
Investigators discovered that Kuper used these social media platforms to target minors for explicit content. He reportedly asked victims to cut his username "Merqzs" into their skin as part of his demands. Additionally, he created revenge pornography involving at least one other non-compliant victim. Kuper was arrested on November 10, 2022, in Tacoma.
On November 17, 2022, a federal grand jury indicted Kuper on charges related to child pornography production and enticing a minor. He pleaded guilty on November 20, 2024.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI), with support from the Bend Police Department and Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Digital Forensics Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. McLaren for the District of Oregon.
Authorities encourage anyone with information about child exploitation to contact ICE HSI or submit tips online.
Child pornography is defined under federal law as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. These materials document crimes against children and cause ongoing trauma when shared online.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide.
