Jacob Brewer, 31, of Elmira, New York, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with attempted enticement of a minor, attempted receipt of illegal images of children, and attempted possession of illegal images of children. These charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years, according to U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross on Wednesday (WNY News Now).
“According to the complaint, on August 19, 2024, a parent reported to the Elmira Police Department that his 16-year-old daughter (Minor) was contacted on Facebook and Instagram by a 31-year-old male, whom he believed to be Brewer,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case. According to the father, Brewer requested the minor to text him after giving her his phone number. Brewer received text texts from the parent pretending to be the minor in response. In the course of this correspondence, Brewer gave the Minor explicit images and videos of himself and tried to set up a meeting to have sex. The parent then gave the Elmira Police the messages that were sent back and forth with Brewer. After that, the New York State Police (NYSP) received the messages.
Under the guise of the Minor, a NYSP investigator started messaging Brewer. They sent and received more than 1,500 messages. Brewer transmitted more than 60 images, videos, and files throughout that period, many of which were sexually explicit. On October 1, 2024, Brewer and the Minor agreed to get together the next day to have sex at Brewer’s house. Brewer instructed the minor to resemble you at the age of 18. Investigators obtained a search warrant and arrested Brewer on October 2, 2024. The cell phone Brewer used to speak with the Minor was confiscated by investigators. Several discussions between Brewer and different females, including suspected minors, were also found during a cell phone search using multiple messaging apps. Sexual topics were discussed in many of the chats.
Homeland Security Investigations, led by Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the New York State Police, led by Acting Major Kevin Sucher, and the Elmira Police Department, led by Chief Kristen Thorne, conducted the investigation that led to the complaint.
A defendant is deemed innocent until and unless proven guilty, and the mere fact that they have been charged with a crime is only an accusation.