Earlier today, Jose Saez, Jr., a pastor from Brentwood, New York, admitted guilt in federal court to charges of sexual exploitation of a child. The plea was entered before United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack in Central Islip. Saez now faces a prison sentence ranging from 15 to 30 years.
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, John J. Durham, along with Leslie R. Backschies, Acting Assistant Director in Charge at the FBI's New York Field Office, announced the guilty plea.
“The defendant’s sexual exploitation of minors, both in person and online, is horrific, and he now faces at least 15 years in prison for his unspeakable crimes,” stated United States Attorney John J. Durham. “That he held a position of trust and responsibility as a pastor of a local church makes his conduct even more reprehensible. Protecting vulnerable children from predators like this defendant will always be a priority of this Office.”
Durham also thanked the Suffolk County Police Department for their involvement in the case.
“The defendant not only admitted to sexually abusing young children but also discussed his church and his congregants as targets of additional abuse," said FBI Acting Assistant Director Backschies. "His sustained exploitation of children—in person and online—is clear, and this plea is a step forward on the road to justice for his victims."
Court documents revealed that Saez used an encrypted messaging service to engage in explicit conversations with minors and an undercover law enforcement officer (UC). In August 2023, during these conversations with the UC, Saez confessed to abusing an infant and expressed preferences for victims aged between 11 and 15 whom he found at "church." A court-authorized search led FBI agents to recover numerous images and videos of child pornography solicited by Saez from minors.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse through collaboration among federal, state, and local resources.
Individuals with information about any further misconduct by Saez are encouraged to contact the FBI via tips.fbi.gov or call 212-384-1000.
The prosecution is managed by Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Misorek and Adam R. Toporovsky from the Criminal Section of the Long Island Division with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Dejah Turla.
Jose Saez Jr., aged 29 from Brentwood, New York has been charged under docket number E.D.N.Y No. 23-CR-480 (JMA).