A Maryland man has been indicted on charges of coercing and enticing an 18-year-old to travel from Massachusetts to Maryland for commercial sex. According to a detention brief filed, David Kaufman, 44, allegedly coerced minors and young adults, aged 14 to 20, into providing Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and traveling to his Baltimore penthouse for sex acts, which he recorded.
Kaufman was indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of persuading, inducing, enticing, and coercing an individual to travel interstate for prostitution, as well as aiding and abetting. He appeared in federal court in Maryland, where he was detained pending a hearing. His appearance in Massachusetts will be at a later date.
Public filings reveal Kaufman's alleged coercion of a victim to travel from Massachusetts to Baltimore, providing plane tickets, drugs, and alcohol. It is alleged that Kaufman persuaded the victim into sex acts, which he recorded and paid for with cash, transfers, and gifts. Notably, after a February 2024 encounter, Kaufman allegedly gifted a Louis Vuitton bag.
The filings further allege Kaufman's victimization of minors, aged 14 to 17, by paying for CSAM and enticing them to travel for sex acts. Kaufman is said to reward these acts with gifts and money.
Authorities urge anyone with information about this investigation, or those affected by commercial sex trafficking or child exploitation, to contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.
The charges carry potential penalties of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and fines up to $250,000. Sentences are determined by a federal judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge James Crowley announced the charges. The investigation received support from various law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maryland and the Baltimore Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Torey B. Cummings and Craig E. Estes.
The allegations are part of the charging documents, and Kaufman remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
