A federal jury has found Rusbel Montoya Mandujano, 32, of Oviedo, guilty of attempting to coerce and entice a minor to engage in sexual activity, United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced on Mar. 26. Montoya Mandujano faces a minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in federal prison. His sentencing is set for August 25.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address crimes involving the exploitation of minors online. According to evidence presented at trial, Montoya Mandujano began communicating with someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl on June 25, but the individual was actually an undercover team from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.
After learning the age of the supposed minor, Montoya Mandujano discussed various sexual acts and arranged a meeting with her. He was arrested upon arrival at the agreed location on June 26 by law enforcement officers.
The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman is prosecuting the case, while asset forfeiture proceedings are being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Andrejko.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. The program coordinates resources across federal, state, and local agencies to identify offenders and protect victims.
