A Miami man, Stefan Andres Correa, has been sentenced to life in federal prison after pleading guilty to traveling to Colombia with the intent of engaging in sexual activities with minors. Court documents reveal that Correa was intercepted by law enforcement at Miami International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Bogota, Colombia. During a search, officers found nine cell phones in his possession containing over 100 videos depicting Correa involved in sexual acts with more than 50 minors aged between 11 and 17.
Additionally, one of the cell phones contained text messages between Correa and a Colombian sex trafficker. In these exchanges, Correa agreed to pay $300,000 Colombian pesos (approximately $75 USD) for commercial sex with children aged 10 to 12.
U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida stated: “The United States of America will always seek to protect children near and far.” He emphasized that this prosecution serves as a warning against those who prey on children, stating that predators like Correa are "a scourge upon humanity."
Jose R. Figueroa, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Miami, praised the courage of survivors and highlighted the importance of international cooperation in combating child sex trafficking: “This investigation underscores the global and horrific nature of child sex trafficking.”
The case was investigated by HSI Miami with support from HSI offices in Cleveland and Bogota, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other agencies. Major Crimes Deputy Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Astigarraga prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at addressing child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood or resources related to human trafficking or online child sexual exploitation reporting options are available through various hotlines and websites provided by national organizations.
