A U.S. Navy sailor stationed in Augusta, Georgia, has been indicted on multiple federal charges related to child sex crimes following an alleged months-long manipulation of a minor through social media.
Bryce Lucas Stimka, 24, was arrested on July 30, 2025. According to court documents, from July 17, 2024 to March 30, 2025, Stimka allegedly communicated with a 14-year-old girl via social media. Authorities say more than 15,000 text messages were exchanged between Stimka and the minor victim discussing sex acts, the victim’s age, and their potential relationship. The communications also included the exchange of sexually explicit images and videos of the victim. Investigators linked the social media account to Stimka using subscriber information such as IP addresses and photos matching his identity.
Stimka faces charges including production of child pornography, coercion and enticement for illegal sexual activity, and receipt of child pornography. His initial court appearance in Utah has not yet been scheduled.
"Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement."
The investigation is being led by an officer from the West Valley Police Department assigned to the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. Additional support came from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and the FBI Atlanta Field Office in Augusta.
"Assistant United States Attorney Carol A. Dain of the District of Utah is prosecuting the case."
The prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 that coordinates federal, state, and local efforts to address child sexual exploitation online. More details about Project Safe Childhood can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc.
"An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."
