United States of America v. Eric Jin

Eric Jin of San Diego was sentenced in federal court today to 262 months in prison for sexually exploiting a 14-year-old girl by directing her to produce child sex abuse material.



Jin was indicted on May 15, 2024, and pleaded guilty in October 2024, admitting he ordered the young victim to take sexually graphic pictures of herself without clothing in December 2022 and again in February 2023. The girl did as Jin directed.



Also in February 2023, Jin ordered the victim to carve his first name, "Eric,” into her skin and send him a photo. The victim again did as Jin directed. Jin knew the victim was 14 years old.



Jin also admitted in his plea agreement that he possessed and sent pictures to the girl via his cell phone of other minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.



At today's hearing, U.S. District Judge Jinsook Ohta told the defendant that his "truly hurtful and evil actions on young children ...defies adequate description.”



"Mr. Jin managed to exploit a vulnerable child despite the parents' diligent efforts to protect her,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. "This office will do everything legally possible to achieve justice for children and hold predators like the defendant accountable.”



"Today's sentence demonstrates the seriousness with which the FBI takes crimes-against-children investigations,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark Dargis of the FBI San Diego Field Office. "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.”



According to the FBI, the most important advice for parents is to have open and ongoing conversations about safe and appropriate online behavior. Educate yourself about the websites, software, games, and apps that your children use. Immediately report any inappropriate contact between an adult and your child to law enforcement or your local FBI field office. You can also call the FBI at 1-800-CALL FBI (800-225-5324) or submit a report online at tips.fbi.gov.



This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Sherwood and Katie Grammenidis.



Age: 31 San Diego, CA