NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 24, 2023
SAN DIEGO HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHER ARRESTED FOR ATTEMPTED ENTICEMENT OF A MINOR
SAN DIEGO – Sean Stevenson, a high school science teacher at University City High School, was apprehended today by the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force and charged in federal court with Attempted Enticement of a Minor.
Stevenson, 58, is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mitchell Dembin on October 25, 2023, at 2 p.m.
The alleged illicit activities of Stevenson came to light during a separate sex trafficking investigation conducted by law enforcement authorities. According to a criminal complaint, messages from that investigation revealed Stevenson’s interest in engaging in sexual acts with a minor in exchange for payment.
Utilizing the Pinger application, an undercover law enforcement officer began engaging in text messages with Stevenson. Posing as a sex trafficker, the officer claimed to be the cousin of a 16-year-old girl.
The complaint details that on October 23, 2023, Stevenson messaged the undercover officer and negotiated a price of $140 for oral sex with the supposed 16-year-old girl. They agreed to meet early on October 24, 2023, on El Cajon Boulevard for the illicit encounter. Stevenson arrived at the designated location around 7 a.m. and was promptly arrested.
Authorities discovered $140 in Stevenson’s vehicle, further supporting the charges against him.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Derek Ko and Andrew Sherwood are responsible for prosecuting the case.
Anyone with pertinent information regarding this case is urged to contact San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477 and the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.
DEFENDANT
Case Number 23MJ3854
– Sean Stevenson
– Age: 58
– San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
– Attempted Enticement of a Minor– Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2422(b)
Maximum penalty: Life in prison, 10-year mandatory minimum
AGENCIES
– Homeland Security Investigations
– San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force
It is important to note that the charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are solely accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.