E. Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California
An Antelope Valley man, Gregory Cole Jr., has been found guilty in absentia of producing and receiving sexually explicit images of a teenage girl, according to an announcement from the Justice Department. Cole, 30, from Lancaster, was convicted late Thursday on three counts: production of child pornography, enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity, and receipt of child pornography.
Cole was on trial but became a fugitive after removing his location-monitoring device and ceasing to appear in court. As a result, United States District Judge Percy Anderson issued a bench warrant and revoked his bond.
During the trial, evidence demonstrated that in March and April of 2024, Cole contacted a 16-year-old girl through Instagram, convincing her to send him sexually explicit photographs. Law enforcement revealed that Cole encouraged the victim to produce and send him child sexual abuse material (CSAM) by sending her images of adult women in suggestive poses, which he asked her to replicate.
The situation escalated when the victim’s mother found Cole’s messages. Cole subsequently deleted his Instagram account.
Cole is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and could face a maximum of life imprisonment. The case was investigated by the FBI, and prosecutorial responsibilities are being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys J’me K. Forrest and Derek R. Flores of the Violent and Organized Crime Section.
