Long Island Pastor Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Exploitation

Jose Saez Jr., 29, admitted to exploiting minors online and in person, facing a minimum of 15 years in prison.

Jose Saez Jr., a former pastor in Brentwood, New York, pleaded guilty to charges of sexual exploitation of a child in federal court.
Saez used encrypted messaging platforms to engage in explicit conversations with minors and an undercover officer, admitting to abusing children aged 11 to 15.
Investigators uncovered extensive evidence, including 12,000 videos, 400,000 images, and thousands of online chats involving minors.
Authorities revealed Saez targeted victims through his church and social media, often posing as a woman to lure minors into interactions.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 3, 2025, with Saez facing a prison term of 15 to 30 years, along with sex offender registration and supervised release.