The San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force arrested a California high school science teacher who allegedly offered a 16-year-old student $140 for a sex act, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced.
Sean Stevenson, 58, was charged in a San Diego, California, federal court with one count of Attempted Enticement of a Minor, according to a news release by the DOJ’s Southern California District Attorney’s Office. The arrest came as a result of an undercover federal agent reportedly messaging with Stevenson. The undercover agent pretended she was trying to traffic her 16-year-old female cousin for sexual exploitation.
Sean Stevenson, a University City High School science teacher, was arrested on suspicion of trying to pay for sex with a minor.
Californiahttps://t.co/iR5fy1TaUK
— Orietta Rose 🇺🇲 (@0riettaRose) October 25, 2023
A criminal complaint laid out that on Monday, Stevenson sent a message to the undercover agent proposing $140 in exchange for oral sex from the 16-year-old, according to the press release.
Stevenson and the undercover agent met up for a “date” with the girl Tuesday. The agent then arrested Stevenson.
The $140 was found in the science teacher’s car, according to the criminal complaint.
Federal agents realized the educator’s alleged interest in soliciting minors for sex during a separate sex trafficking probe, the press release noted. (RELATED: 24-Year-Old Teacher Busted For Allegedly Sending Nudes To 16-Year-Old Student)
An overview of that investigation led to the discovery of Stevenson allegedly being inclined to offer cash for illicit activity with young girls, according to the criminal complaint, per the press release.
Stevenson teaches science at University City High School, where he also reportedly coaches cross country, according to NBC San Diego. (RELATED: Former Catholic School Teacher Charged With 15 Child Sex Crimes)
BREAKING: A University City High School science teacher and cross-country coach was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of trying to meet up with a teenage girl for sex acts. https://t.co/DzNzIug8NV
— NBC 7 San Diego (@nbcsandiego) October 25, 2023
The high school instructor faces up to a life sentence in federal prison.