11-23-2023 2:18pm

"Long Island Man Allegedly Posed as Teen on Snapchat to Sexually Exploit Young Girls, According to Federal Authorities."

Samantha Hespos Editor

CENTRAL ISLIP, NY — A Bayport man faces allegations of exploiting numerous victims, some as young as 12 years old, by soliciting sexually explicit photos via Snapchat, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's office.

Brandon Thomas Kern, 29, faced arraignment on Wednesday in Central Islip, where he was indicted on five counts of sexual exploitation of minors and possession of child pornography, as stated by prosecutors.

Between December 2020 and October 2021, Kern allegedly exploited numerous victims, coercing them into sending sexually explicit photographs and videos, according to prosecutors. Law enforcement has identified six young girls in connection with the case.

Kern was apprehended when he journeyed from Long Island to Ohio, intending to engage in sexual activity with a girl. Prosecutors stated that he threatened her when she became frightened and declined to meet him. However, he was arrested while leaving a hotel room with condoms, rope, and lubricant.

Prosecutors reported that subsequent searches of Kern's social media accounts revealed contact with numerous other minor victims.

His prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to address the increasing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide.

The project coordinates federal, state, and local resources to enhance the detection, apprehension, and prosecution of individuals exploiting children online, while also identifying and rescuing victims.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has identified several Snapchat accounts through which Kern communicated with potential victims.

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United States Attorney Peace highlighted that while posing as a teen on Snapchat, Kern contacted girls, some as young as twelve years old, coercing them into sending sexually explicit photos and videos. When they attempted to block further contact, he allegedly threatened to expose and humiliate them to family and friends.

"Minors should be free to use their phones without fear of victimization," he stated. "Our office is committed to working tirelessly with federal and local partners to identify those who exploit the shadows of cyberspace and prey on our children."

He commended the efforts of the FBI and the North Olmstead, Ohio Police Department, expressing gratitude to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio.

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith remarked that Kern "thought he could use technology to outsmart and abuse young girls."

"His alleged crimes were horrific, and the FBI's Long Island Child Exploitation Task Force utilized every available tool to track him down and put a stop to his heinous behavior," he stated. "There could be more victims, and the FBI encourages parents or victims to contact law enforcement if they believe anyone may have had contact with Kern.

If parents suspect their children communicated with Kern via one of the Snapchat accounts, they should contact the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or by calling 212-384-1000."