NORFOLK, Va. – A Virginia Beach man, Andrew Joseph Fernandez, 33, has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for attempting to coerce minors into producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and distributing explicit content. Fernandez, a U.S. Navy machinist, used social media platforms to target multiple young victims, engaging in predatory behavior that spanned several months.
Fernandez’s Predatory Tactics Unveiled
Court documents reveal that Fernandez initiated contact with his victims through platforms like TikTok and WhatsApp, often posing as a young teenager named “Levi.” He manipulated his victims, some as young as eight years old, by sending sexually explicit messages and images within minutes of initial contact. Fernandez also attempted to coerce the children into creating and sharing CSAM, falsely promising opportunities like modeling auditions.
In one instance, a school bus driver overheard a nine-year-old victim discussing explicit topics, prompting an investigation that uncovered Fernandez’s actions. Law enforcement, including an FBI agent posing as the victim, continued communication with Fernandez, who persisted in sending graphic content and pressuring the child for explicit material.
Multiple Victims Targeted
Fernandez’s predatory behavior extended to at least three identified victims, with evidence suggesting additional targets. He used deceit and threats to manipulate his victims, often becoming aggressive when they resisted his demands. In one case, he pressured a 14-year-old girl to produce explicit content, threatening to end their “relationship” when she refused.
Messages retrieved from Fernandez’s phone revealed a disturbing pattern of exploitation, including the distribution of CSAM and repeated attempts to solicit explicit material from minors.
Law Enforcement Collaboration and Sentencing
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony C. Marek, with significant contributions from the FBI’s Norfolk and New York field offices, as well as the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office and Child Advocacy Center. U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen handed down the 40-year sentence, emphasizing the severity of Fernandez’s crimes.
“This sentencing reflects our commitment to protecting children from predators who exploit them online,” said Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “We will continue to work tirelessly to bring offenders like Fernandez to justice.”
Project Safe Childhood Initiative
This case was part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in 2006 to combat child exploitation. The program leverages federal, state, and local resources to identify and prosecute offenders while rescuing victims of online abuse.
For more information on Project Safe Childhood, visit justice.gov/psc.
The sentencing of Andrew Joseph Fernandez underscores the importance of vigilance in protecting children from online predators. Law enforcement agencies and initiatives like Project Safe Childhood play a critical role in combating the growing threat of child exploitation.
