Douglas Engstrom, a former United States Navy officer, pleaded guilty on May 12 in federal court in Central Islip to attempted interstate coercion and enticement of a minor. As part of his plea agreement, Engstrom admitted to possessing and receiving over 600 images and videos of child sexual abuse material. The plea was entered before United States District Judge Nusrat J. Choudhury. Engstrom faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment and up to life in prison.
The case is significant because it involves the exploitation of children by an individual who had served as an officer in the military. Prosecutors say that protecting vulnerable populations remains a priority for law enforcement agencies.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said: “The defendant, who was a member of the Navy when he committed his crimes, was convicted of preying on someone he believed to be an innocent 13-year-old girl. This prosecution demonstrates that we will use every law enforcement tool available to prosecute and punish to the fullest extent of the law predators, like the defendant, who exploit the most vulnerable among us: children.”
James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge at the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New York Field Office, said: “Instead of honoring his oath to protect this country, former U.S. Navy officer Douglas Engstrom exploited some of our most vulnerable citizens – children – to satisfy his perverted desires. The FBI maintains its commitment to hold accountable sexual predators that prey upon children. We will never stop in our pursuit of justice for victims.”
According to information presented during court proceedings and filings, Engstrom communicated online with someone he believed was a 13-year-old girl and arranged plans for sexual activity with her while identifying himself as a 36-year-old man serving in the Navy. He agreed to meet her in Valley Stream, New York; however, she was actually an undercover officer.
Engstrom traveled from Maryland after booking travel accommodations but was arrested at Valley Stream’s Long Island Railroad train station on December 16 while carrying a large teddy bear requested by whom he thought was the minor. Law enforcement later found substantial amounts of child sexual abuse material on his electronic devices following execution of a judicially-authorized warrant.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse through coordination between federal prosecutors and other agencies.
