4 local men indicted for seeking to sexually assault kids in FBI sting operation
https://komonews.com/news/local/4-local-men-indicted-for-seeking-to-sexually-assault-kids-in-fbi-sting-operation
SEATTLE – A federal grand jury has indicted four Seattle-area men who were arrested and charged after an FBI sting operation that targeted adults seeking to sexually assault children, says U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran.
The investigation revealed that some of the men had molested other children or collected images of child sexual abuse before they were identified by authorities, and one of the suspects injured an FBI agent when he attempted to flee during his arrest, Moran said.
He said the indictments come amid increasing concern about online sexual exploitation of children during the pandemic.
Court documents show the suspects indicted in the sting operation include:
Eric Hogan, 33, of Seattle, indicted for attempted enticement of a minor. He allegedly communicated with undercover agent about sexually assaulting the agent’s fictitious 6- and 12-year-old daughters.
Justice Galloway, 26, of Everett, indicted for attempted enticement of a minor. He allegedly communicated with undercover agent about sexually assaulting the agent’s fictitious 6- and 11-year-old daughters.
Christopher Sinfield, 28, of Woodinville, indicted for attempted enticement of a minor and possession of child pornography. He allegedly communicated with undercover agent posing as a 13-year-old girl and possessed images of child sex abuse on an electronic device at the time of his arrest.
Marcus William Lowe, 33, of Kirkland, indicted for attempted enticement of a minor, possession of child pornography, and assault on a federal officer. He allegedly communicated with undercover agent about sex assault of fictitious 10-year-old daughter. Lowe attempted to flee from agents at the arrest location, pinning and injuring an agent between his car and another vehicle. Further investigation revealed possession of images of child sexual abuse and molestation of a child under the age of 12.
"This case demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the FBI to protect our most vulnerable citizens: our children,” said Donald M. Voiret, FBI special agent in charge of the Seattle Field Office.
Attempted enticement of a minor is punishable by a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison and up to life in prison. Possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Assault on a federal officer is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.