Brandon Kuper, a 22-year-old from Tacoma, Washington, has been sentenced to over 13 years in federal prison following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and local law enforcement. On February 25, Kuper received a sentence of 165 months in federal prison with an additional ten years of supervised release for coercing a minor into sending sexually explicit material and engaging in self-harm through social media platforms.
Court documents reveal that in November 2022, Kuper contacted a minor via Discord and Snapchat to establish a relationship. He coerced the victim into creating and sending him explicit photos and videos that included sadistic content. When the victim refused some requests, Kuper threatened harm against the victim and their family. The victim reported these actions to their parents, who then involved law enforcement.
“Through his use of popular social media platforms, Kerr sought to manipulate and exploit vulnerable minors for his own depraved desires,” stated Matthew Murphy, acting Special Agent in Charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations Seattle. He added that the bravery of the victim was instrumental in ending Kuper's predatory behavior.
Investigators discovered that Kuper persuaded minors to produce explicit materials on Discord and Snapchat. He also demanded victims engrave his username "Merqzs" onto their skin and send photographic evidence. Furthermore, he engaged in revenge pornography against non-compliant victims. Kuper was arrested on November 10, 2022.
A federal grand jury indicted Kuper on charges related to child pornography production on November 17, 2022. He later pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor on November 20, 2024.
The investigation was conducted by ICE with assistance from Bend Police Department and Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Digital Forensics Laboratory. Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. McLaren prosecuted the case.
ICE encourages anyone with information about child exploitation to contact them at 866-347-2423 or report incidents via the Know2Protect Tipline at 1-833-591-KNOW (5669) or visit the NCMEC CyberTipline online.
Know2Protect is a national campaign led by the Department of Homeland Security focused on preventing online child sexual exploitation through education and resources for families.
