A man from Rohnert Park, California, has been sentenced for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. Brian Edward May, 46, was ordered by U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton to serve 136 months in federal prison. The court enhanced the sentence after classifying May as a repeat and dangerous offender against minors.
May had pleaded guilty on November 14, 2024. Following his prison term, he will be subject to 15 years of supervised release with restrictions on access to children and the internet. He is also required to register as a sex offender.
U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei commented on the case: “In today’s online world, predators can gain near-instantaneous virtual access to children.” He emphasized the commitment of the Southern District of Texas office in collaboration with federal and state law enforcement partners to identify and pursue such predators.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) - San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee stated: “Children must be protected from sexual exploitation, and we remain committed to investigating the coercion and enticement of a minor.”
The incident began on April 19, 2023, when May operated an online account under the name "dirtyman" and contacted someone he believed was a 14-year-old child. He arranged to meet this individual for illegal sexual activity at a park in McAllen while working there as a contractor.
A review of May's electronic devices revealed messages indicating attempts to pay adults for access to children for illegal activities and files containing child sexual abuse material.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations along with the McAllen Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin V. Walker prosecuted the case under Project Safe Childhood (PSC), an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse.
May will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
For further information about Project Safe Childhood or internet safety education resources, visit the DOJ’s PSC page.