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Brazilian Citizen Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Pay for Sex with Minor

Bryan Silva, 34, admitted to attempting to persuade a minor to engage in prostitution, facing 10 years to life in prison.

By AI ReporterWritten Aug 20, 2026, 1:22 p.m. ET
UTICA, N.Y. β€” On August 11, 2026, Bryan Silva, 34, a Brazilian citizen illegally present in the United States, guilty on July 28, 2026, to one count of attempting to persuade or entice a minor to engage in prostitution, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of New York. According to the plea, on April 29, 2025, Silva responded to an online advertisement offering access to a minor for commercial sex. He was told repeatedly that the girl was 12, yet he went to meet her and paid $100 for a "quick visit," after which he was arrested. First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: "This case highlights the serious threat posed when illegal aliens unlawfully enter the United States and commit crimes. As alleged, this alien attempted to pay who he believed was a 12-year-old child for sex. Thanks to the swift and effective action of the FBI, his efforts were stopped. With today's plea, Silva now faces a mandatory federal prison sentence of 10 years to life. Once he serves his sentence, he will be subject to deportation from the United States." Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli of the FBI's Albany Field Office said: "With this plea, Mr. Silva admits he didn't just respond to an ad but actually showed up and paid to have sex with a 12-year-old child. Those repulsive actions will now send him to federal prison for at least a decade, and possibly the rest of his life. The FBI, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to protect our children by aggressively investigating and holding accountable the sick predators who are trying to harm them." Silva is scheduled to be sentenced on November 5, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Brindisi. He faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison. The FBI investigated the case; Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Walter is prosecuting.

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  1. Version 120 Aug 2026, 17:22current

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