Ismail J. Ramsey, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California
A federal grand jury in San Jose has indicted Edy Antonio, Jr., a 30-year-old resident of Salinas, California, on charges of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor for criminal sexual conduct. This indictment follows an initial charge made by criminal complaint on May 13, 2025.
According to the indictment and criminal complaint, Antonio allegedly used his cell phone to attempt to persuade two minors into engaging in criminal sexual activities. The events began on April 21, 2025, when Antonio responded to an online advertisement that featured two minors he believed were aged 12 and 14. Allegedly agreeing to pay $500 for the encounter, Antonio was arrested by officers from the Salinas Police Department at a hotel where the meeting was supposed to take place. Antonio is noted as having worked as a respiratory therapist in hospitals located in Salinas and Monterey.
The announcement of the indictment was made by United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian alongside Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King.
Antonio was taken into custody on May 20, 2025, in Salinas and had his initial court appearance that day. He has been released on bond and is scheduled for another court appearance on June 10, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation that crimes have been committed; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Should Antonio be convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment along with a fine up to $250,000 under the violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b). Sentencing would follow considerations based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and federal statute 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Chang with assistance from Natachiana Burney and Susan Kreider. The investigation leading to this prosecution was conducted by HSI and the Salinas Police Department.
