A Tacoma man has been sentenced to federal prison for coercing a minor into sending sexually explicit materials and engaging in self-harm. Brandon Kuper, 22, received a sentence of 165 months in federal prison followed by ten years of supervised release.
Court documents reveal that in November 2022, Kuper contacted a minor through Discord and Snapchat to establish a relationship. He coerced the victim into producing explicit photos and videos, including sadistic conduct. When the victim resisted, Kuper threatened harm to the victim and their family. The threats persisted until the victim reported him to their parents and law enforcement.
Investigators discovered that Kuper used social media platforms to target minors for explicit material. In some cases, he instructed victims to cut his username "Merqzs" into their skin and send him photos. Additionally, investigators found revenge pornography involving at least one other non-compliant victim. Kuper was arrested on November 10, 2022, in Tacoma.
A federal grand jury indicted Kuper on charges of production of child pornography and enticing a minor on November 17, 2022. He pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor on November 20, 2024.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations with support from the Bend Police Department and Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Digital Forensics Laboratory. Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. McLaren prosecuted the case.
Authorities encourage anyone with information about child exploitation to contact ICE HSI or submit tips online at report.cybertip.org.
Child pornography is legally defined as any visual depiction involving sexually explicit conduct with a minor. Such material depicts crimes against children and re-traumatizes victims when shared online. More information can be found at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children website.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide.