Marcos Alex Mendez Torres, 26, of New Haven, has been charged with several child exploitation offenses, according to an April 1 announcement by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The charges stem from allegations that Mendez Torres used online platforms to communicate with and coerce minors into sexual activity. Authorities say this case highlights ongoing concerns about child safety on social media and gaming platforms.
According to court documents, Mendez Torres used usernames such as “nozuto” and “demoniodedinero” to contact girls online. In 2022, he began communicating with an approximately 11-year-old girl in Pennsylvania through Roblox. Over the next two years, he also contacted another girl in Ohio who was about 12 years old at the time. In March 2024, authorities allege that Mendez Torres traveled to Pennsylvania to meet and engage in sexual activity with a then-13-year-old girl before returning briefly to Connecticut and later traveling on to Ohio intending similar conduct.
Mendez Torres faces charges including coercion and enticement of a minor—which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years imprisonment—and travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with children. He is also charged with transfer of obscene materials to a minor. The maximum penalties for these offenses range up to life imprisonment.
He has been detained since June 26 after being arrested by Connecticut State Police on related state charges involving a different minor from Connecticut. He was subsequently transferred into federal custody and appeared in Hartford federal court.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan said investigators are seeking additional victims or witnesses who may have information relevant to this case: "Victims, witnesses, and anyone with helpful information are encouraged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or contact the FBI online at tips.fbi.gov." Sullivan also said: "A criminal complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt."
The investigation involves the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force along with state law enforcement agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexis L. Beyerlein is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood Initiative.
