
SAN DIEGO — A San Diego man’s call to 911 for help ultimately exposed his yearslong effort to prey on teenage girls through social media, according to federal prosecutors.
Jose De Jesus Anguiano was sentenced Monday to 14 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for coercing or attempting to coerce at least four girls, ages 13 to 17, into sexual activity in exchange for money, marijuana or alcohol.
Anguiano pleaded guilty Feb. 24 to one count of coercion and enticement of a minor.
In his plea agreement, Anguiano admitted repeatedly soliciting minors for sex from at least April 28, 2022, through Aug. 29, 2024. He also admitted raping a 14-year-old girl after arranging to meet her under the pretense of providing marijuana, prosecutors said.
Authorities said Anguiano used social media to gain access to teenage girls, presenting himself as a source for marijuana, alcohol and money.
The investigation began with an unlikely 911 call on Aug. 29, 2024.
Prosecutors said Anguiano had arranged to meet a minor for sex in an alley. When he arrived, the girl’s trafficker allegedly held him at gunpoint and tried to steal his car.
Anguiano called the San Diego Police Department for help.
When officers arrived, they pieced together why he was in the alley and contacted the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force. The investigation uncovered Anguiano’s conduct involving multiple minors, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
In a sentencing memorandum, prosecutors said Anguiano had grown increasingly brazen, including attempting to recruit victims’ friends or siblings and photographing one victim behind a police car.
The mother of one victim told the court that sexual assault continues to affect survivors long after the physical attack ends, damaging their sense of safety, relationships and ability to trust.
However, she said Anguiano had not taken away her daughter’s future or her ability to heal.
The case was investigated by the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, San Diego and Chula Vista police departments, FBI and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lyndzie M. Carter and Derek Ko prosecuted the case.
🔴 Quick Fact Checklist
🔴 Defendant: Jose De Jesus Anguiano of San Diego
🔴 Prison sentence: 14 years
🔴 Supervised release: 10 years
🔴 Charge: Coercion and enticement of a minor
🔴 Victims: At least four girls, ages 13 to 17
🔴 Method: Social media offers involving money, marijuana and alcohol
🔴 Guilty plea: Feb. 24, 2026
🔴 Investigation began: Aug. 29, 2024
🔴 Case number: 25-cr-01293-BJC
🔴 Maximum possible penalty: Life in federal prison
Related News and Resources
- El Cajon man sentenced for attempting to coerce a child
- San Diego man sentenced for exploiting a 14-year-old girl
- San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force and Special Victims Unit
- Police officer charged with child-exploitation offenses
