Former FBI contractor Brett Janes, 26, has been indicted with multiple charges related to alleged sexual exploitation of children. The charges include two counts of sexual exploitation of children and production of child sexual abuse material, one count of attempted coercion and enticement, as well as one count of receipt of child pornography.
It is alleged that Janes groomed several young boys over the internet by contacting them through social media platforms like Discord and Snapchat. Janes purportedly posed as an intelligence agency worker and threatened self-harm if the boys did not comply with his demands.
He reportedly coerced and enticed minors to engage in sexual activities via live video calls, and also purchased numerous photos and videos depicting child sexual abuse. The case is being investigated jointly by the FBI and Arlington County Police, and will be prosecuted by Trial Attorney McKenzie Hightower of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section. If convicted, Janes will face a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.