A California man was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison after admitting to using the online chatting platform Discord to sexually exploit minor girls.
James Styner, 20, pleaded guilty to three counts of receipt of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of coercion and enticement of a minor, according to the U.S Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. His sentencing on Friday also included seven years of supervised release.
Prosecutors described Styner’s actions as a “pervasive online campaign to manipulate and exploit vulnerable girls” for two years. He demanded the girls send sexually explicit material and also sent images of his own genitalia to them through messages on Discord.
As part of his plea agreement, Styner admitted to victimizing a dozen girls, who prosecutors said were all identified. The girls were between 12 and 17 years old.
He engaged with at least two girls in what prosecutors described as “in-person sexual relationships.”
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro said in a statement that men who exploit children will be prosecuted under the full weight of the law.
“Whether you are behind a screen or behind closed doors — we will find you and convict you,” Pirro said.
The case was initially investigated by the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department through its work on a joint task force with the FBI. Authorities in California provided “substantial assistance” with the investigation, the federal prosecutor’s office said.
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