Elmira Man Arrested for Attempting to Have Sex with a Minor

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jacob Brewer, 31, of Elmira, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with attempted enticement of a minor, attempted receipt of child pornography, and attempted possession of child pornography, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of 20 years.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that  according to the complaint, on August 19, 2024, a parent reported to the Elmira Police Department that his 16-year-old daughter (Minor) was contacted on Facebook and Instagram by a 31-year-old male, who he believed to be Brewer. The parent stated that Brewer provided his phone number to the Minor and asked her to text him. In response, the parent sent text messages to Brewer posing as the Minor. During this conversation, Brewer attempted to arrange a meeting to engage in sexual activity with the Minor and sent sexually explicit photos and videos of himself. The parent then provided the messages exchanged with Brewer to the Elmira Police. The messages were subsequently turned over to the New York State Police (NYSP).

A NYSP investigator began exchanging messages with Brewer, posing as the Minor. They exchanged over 1,500 messages. During that time, Brewer sent over 60 pictures, videos, and files, many sexually explicit in nature. On October 1, 2024, Brewer and “the Minor” made plans to meet the following day to engage in sexual activity at Brewer’s residence. Brewer told “the Minor” to look “like ur 18.” On October 2, 2024, investigators executed a search warrant and took Brewer into custody. Investigators seized the cell phone Brewer used to communicate with the Minor. A search of the cell phone also recovered multiple conversations via several messaging applications between Brewer and various females, including suspected minors. Many of the conversations were sexual in nature.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the New York State Police, under the direction of Acting Major Kevin Sucher, and the Elmira Police Department, under the direction of Chief Kristen Thorne.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.