Eric Jin, a 31-year-old resident of San Diego, was sentenced in federal court to 262 months in prison for sexually exploiting a 14-year-old girl. The sentencing took place after Jin pleaded guilty in October 2024 to directing the minor to produce sexually explicit images of herself on two occasions: December 2022 and February 2023.
Court documents show that Jin instructed the victim to take nude photographs and send them to him. In February 2023, he also told her to carve his first name, “Eric,” into her skin and send him a photo, which she did. Jin was aware that the victim was only 14 years old at the time.
Jin further admitted that he possessed and sent images depicting other minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct via his cell phone.
At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Jinsook Ohta addressed Jin by stating his “truly hurtful and evil actions on young children …defies adequate description.”
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon commented on the case: “Mr. Jin managed to exploit a vulnerable child despite the parents’ diligent efforts to protect her. This office will do everything legally possible to achieve justice for children and hold predators like the defendant accountable.”
Special Agent in Charge Mark Dargis of the FBI San Diego Field Office said, “Today’s sentence demonstrates the seriousness with which the FBI takes crimes-against-children investigations. Jin coerced heinous activity from an innocent 14-year-old girl, unconscionable demands no child should ever have to endure. The FBI will continue to do everything within our authorities to hold accountable those who sexually exploit children, vigorously investigating such actions to protect the most vulnerable in our community.”
The FBI advises parents to maintain open conversations with their children about safe online behavior and stay informed about digital platforms their children use. They encourage immediate reporting of any inappropriate contact between adults and minors either through local law enforcement or directly via their tip line at 1-800-CALL FBI (800-225-5324) or online at https://tips.fbi.gov.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Sherwood and Katie Grammenidis prosecuted this case.
Jin was charged under Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2251(a) and (e), which covers sexual exploitation of a minor. The statute carries a maximum penalty of thirty years in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years and up to a $500,000 fine.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation.
