Cristian Ceja, a 28-year-old resident of Turlock, has been sentenced to 15 years and eight months in prison for transporting a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge John A. Mendez, as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith.
Court documents reveal that between August 27, 2023, and January 3, 2024, Ceja transported a minor from the Eastern District of California to Idaho for illicit purposes. Ceja initially met the victim while working as a delivery driver and later established contact through social media using her phone number. He engaged in a prolonged sexual relationship with the victim, who was 15 at the time.
Ceja reportedly sneaked into the victim's bedroom on multiple occasions and recorded some encounters. He also kept personal items related to their relationship as mementos.
The case came to light when the victim's mother found concerning photographs and contacted law enforcement on August 26, 2023. In response, Ceja fled with the minor to avoid detection. During this period, he attempted various measures to evade authorities, including altering his vehicle’s appearance and using a false identity.
Initially hiding in Nevada for about a week, Ceja later moved with the minor to rural Idaho where they lived under harsh conditions in a camper trailer until law enforcement intervened on January 3, 2024. The intervention followed contact made by the minor via social media expressing her desire to return home.
The investigation was conducted by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shea J. Kenny led the prosecution.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood and internet safety education resources, visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.