Earlier today, Jose Saez, Jr., a pastor from Brentwood, New York, admitted to the sexual exploitation of a child in federal court in Central Islip. The plea was entered before United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack. Saez faces a potential prison sentence ranging from 15 to 30 years.
The announcement was made by John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Leslie R. Backschies, Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's New York Field Office.
“The defendant’s sexual exploitation of minors, both in person and online, is horrific, and he now faces at least 15 years in prison for his unspeakable crimes,” stated United States Attorney John J. Durham. “That he held a position of trust and responsibility as a pastor of a local church makes his conduct even more reprehensible. Protecting vulnerable children from predators like this defendant will always be a priority of this Office.”
Durham also thanked the Suffolk County Police Department for their involvement in the case.
Leslie R. Backschies added, “The defendant not only admitted to sexually abusing young children but also discussed his church and his congregants as targets of additional abuse. His sustained exploitation of children—in person and online—is clear, and this plea is a step forward on the road to justice for his victims."
Court documents revealed that Saez used an encrypted messaging service to have explicit conversations with minors and an undercover law enforcement officer (UC). In August 2023, during discussions with the UC, Saez confessed to molesting an infant and expressed interest in children aged 11 to 15. A search authorized by the court led FBI agents to find numerous images and videos of child pornography solicited by Saez from minors.
This case falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Anyone with information regarding further misconduct by Saez is urged to contact the FBI through tips.fbi.gov or call 212-384-1000.
Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Misorek and Adam R. Toporovsky are leading the prosecution with help from Paralegal Specialist Dejah Turla.
Jose Saez Jr., age 29 from Brentwood, New York has been charged under E.D.N.Y Docket No. 23-CR-480 (JMA).
