Two men, on separate instances, utilized an app to meet kids and sexually assault them, the Florida sheriff's office revealed.
Authorities arrested Moises Reiniery Escoto, 36, a former Iglesia de Cristo Misionera Mahanaim Church youth pastor, on February 9 after being accused of importuning sexual videos and photos from a teen that he met on an app called Sniffies.
During the investigation of Escoto, another suspect was found who was using the same app for "transactions," offering sexual acts to a kid in exchange for money. Foster parent Joel Ricky Lutz, 38, was arrested days after on February 15 in his workplace at Outback Steakhouse, Pinellas County.
Sniffies is a "modern, map-based, meet-up app" exclusively created for gays, bi, and the "curious guys" who want to hook up with other men. The website states that it is a cruising app where users can be as anonymous as they want to be. Built with "groundbreaking tools and cutting edge features," users would not need to bother creating an account as it does not require it, plus it can be used for free.
Parents urged to check what their kids are doing online
"It is absolutely disgusting that these two men, who were placed in positions of mentorship and trust with children in our community, used online apps to seek out and victimize our youth," said Chad Chronister, Hillsborough County Sheriff, said in a statement.
He further warned parents and families that sexual predators are on the rise, surrounding the community, aiming to destroy innocence, and encouraged them to always check and know what their kids are doing online.
The human trafficking team of Hillsborough County Sheriff's office launched the investigation after a mother of a 16-year-old reported that she found disturbing contents in her child's phone.
New York Post stated that investigators were then led to Escoto, who was discovered to have contacted the victim two years ago via the app Sniffies. Ever since the former youth pastor had allegedly asked for sexually explicit videos and photos in exchange for gifts and money.
Worst, it was found that the suspect had been meeting with the teen personally to engage in sexual acts.
Suspects facing many charges aside from human trafficking
According to the sheriff's office, Escoto and Lutz are charged with human trafficking for "commercial sexual activity, lewd or lascivious battery, and use of a computer to solicit illegal acts," The Star reported.
Just one of the many other charges they will be facing, such as:
- traveling to meet a minor after using computer services or devices to solicit certain illegal acts;
- use of computer services for lewd or lascivious exhibition defendant over 18;
- transmission of harmful material to a minor, unlawful use of a two-way communications device;
- unlawful sexual activity with a minor.
Both suspects are being held in the Hillsborough County Jail, with Escoto on a $138,500 bond and Lutz on a $280,500 bond.
The Tampa church from where Escoto was serving as a youth pastor did not respond to a request for comment, nor did the Florida Department of Children and Families.
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