WILMINGTON, DE – A Delaware man has been sentenced to six years in prison for possession of lewd images of children he sought out on social media platforms.
David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, said, James Crossan, 24, sought out minors on social media platforms such as Instagram and fostered abusive relationships with them both online and via text message.
“For multiple years, Crossan engaged in grooming tactics including complimenting victims, offering to send them gifts, expressing a desire to meet in person, discussing sexual acts, and requesting photographs of victims. Crossan used aggressive and manipulative tactics to coerce minors to create and send child [censored]ography to him. Crossan’s exploitation harmed multiple minor victims across the country,” Weiss said.
U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “My office’s message for individuals who chose to prey upon and sexually exploit innocent children has been consistent – our federal law enforcement partners will use every available resource to find you. Protecting innocent children is a priority for my office, and you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“The FBI and our local, state, and federal partners work tirelessly to investigate and bring to justice individuals engaged in the exploitation and sexual abuse of children,” said Thomas J. Sobocinski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “We encourage parents and caretakers to help us shut the door on predators before they strike by reporting anything suspicious to 1-800-CALL-FBI and visiting FBI.gov for more information about the threat of child predators.”