A federal jury in Honolulu has convicted Ross Andrew Brown, a 44-year-old military lawyer and Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps, on charges related to attempted sexual enticement and exploitation of minors. The verdict was reached on February 27, 2026, after a five-day trial. Brown faces sentencing on June 23, 2026, and remains in custody pending a bail hearing scheduled for March 4.
According to evidence presented at trial, Brown used social media platforms Whisper and Telegram to communicate with undercover law enforcement agents who were posing as a 14-year-old girl. During these conversations, he attempted to persuade the fictitious minor to engage in illegal sexual activity and discussed explicit acts while asking about her sexual history. On April 17, 2023, Brown traveled to Schofield Barracks intending to meet the supposed minor but was arrested by federal agents.
Further evidence from Brown’s phone showed that he had sexually explicit online interactions with 38 individuals who claimed to be girls as young as 12 years old. In one instance from February 2021, Brown asked someone he believed was a 15-year-old girl for photos depicting herself and another person engaged in sexual activity; he received images described as showing female genitalia and sexual acts. In June of that year, he received an image from someone presenting as a 17-year-old girl. Another incident occurred during an August layover when Brown tried unsuccessfully to arrange a meeting for sex with someone claiming to be a 15-year-old girl.
U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson commented: “The jury’s conviction of Brown sends a strong message that those who use social media and the internet to sexually exploit children will face swift justice in Hawaii. We remain committed to charging, trying, and convicting those who seek to victimize our keiki with their repulsive conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “Hunting down and bringing to justice child predators like Brown remains one of our highest law enforcement priorities.”
Special Agent Ruben Santiago of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division stated: “It is a profound breach of trust to both our military community and the public we serve, when a senior military officer commits crimes that exploit the vulnerable,” said Special Agent in Charge Ruben Santiago, Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Pacific Field Office. “This investigation makes it clear that no rank, position, or title places anyone above the law and I am exceptionally proud of our Special Agents whose tireless, meticulous work led to this offender’s conviction. Army CID remains unwavering in our commitment to protect our Soldiers, Families, and our communities; we will relentlessly pursue accountability, regardless of status or position.”
Special Agent Eric Little from Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 601 added: “AFOSI Det. 601 was honored to lead this investigation working with partnered agencies across Oahu. AFOSI agents spanning several units relentlessly pursued the truth and led intricate investigative activities gleaning evidence that led to the offender’s conviction,” said Special Agent Eric Little, commander of Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) Det. 601. “AFOSI Det. 601 remains vigilant and ready to proactively protect our Oahu community.”
The case was investigated by multiple agencies including the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division and Air Force Office of Special Investigations with assistance from Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Nolan prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood—a national initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006—to combat child sexual exploitation online through coordinated efforts among federal prosecutors’ offices and other agencies nationwide (https://www.justice.gov/psc).
