Maryland Man Sentenced to 123 Months in Prison for Traveling Into the District of Columbia to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct With a Minor

            WASHINGTON – Jan Astaphan, 41, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced as we speak to 123 months in jail on a federal cost of touring interstate to interact in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.

            The announcement was made by U.S. Lawyer Matthew M. Graves, Particular Agent in Cost Raymond Villanueva of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Safety Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Division (MPD)

            Astaphan pleaded responsible in June 2021, within the U.S. District Courtroom for the District of Columbia, to a cost of journey with intent to interact in illicit sexual conduct.  He was sentenced by the Honorable Randolph D. Moss. Upon completion of his jail time period, Astaphan shall be positioned on a time period of 10 years of supervised launch, and required to pay a particular evaluation charge. He additionally shall be required to register as a intercourse offender for a minimal interval of 15 years upon his launch from jail.

            In keeping with the federal government’s proof, on January 29, 2019, Astaphan agreed to pay $300 to interact in sexual exercise with an under-aged youngster at a resort in Washington D.C.  HSI undercover brokers recognized Astaphan as a consumer of an internet site identified to legislation enforcement as a web site the place members actively sexually exploit youngsters. HSI brokers recognized Astaphan’s account in February 2018, and commenced speaking with him on a number of platforms, together with by textual content message.  As their conversations continued, Astaphan organized to journey from his dwelling in Maryland, on January 29, 2019, to a resort within the District of Columbia.  After handing $300 in money to a person he believed had entry to the under-aged youngster, he was arrested by legislation enforcement.  He has been in custody ever since.

            This case was introduced as a part of the Division of Justice’s Venture Secure Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Lawyer Basic created Venture Secure Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to guard youngsters from on-line exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Lawyer’s Places of work, Venture Secure Childhood marshals federal, state, and native assets to raised find, apprehend, and prosecute people who exploit youngsters through the Web, in addition to determine and rescue victims. For extra details about Venture Secure Childhood, please go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

            In saying the sentence, U.S. Lawyer Graves, Particular Agent in Cost Villanueva, and Chief Contee recommended the work of the MPD Detectives and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Safety Investigations (HSI). In addition they recommended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Lawyer Amy E. Larson, who’s prosecuting the case.