DETROIT – A 34-year-old man from Center Line, Michigan, named Colin Clemente Martin, has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison. The charges against him include coercion and enticement of a minor, as well as the sexual exploitation of a minor. The sentencing was carried out by United States District Judge Denise Page Hood, and the announcement was made by United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison. In October 2022, Martin entered a guilty plea for the charges. Ison made the announcement alongside Angie Salazar, who serves as the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations.
Court records reveal that Martin assumed the identity of a female talent scout on the internet application Musical.ly during the years 2014 and 2016 to 2017. A man has been accused of exploiting the trust of his young victims, coercing them into participating in disturbing acts for the purpose of creating explicit videos and images for his personal satisfaction. In a disturbing turn of events, victims who refused to comply with Martin’s demands were met with threats of sharing explicit videos and images with their friends. At least eight minors have been victimized by Martin.
Authorities in Illinois, Ohio, and Toronto, Canada were alerted to the actions of Martin after several of his victims came forward with their accounts. Thanks to their bravery, Martin was finally apprehended. In 2019, the Michigan State Police became involved in the case, which eventually led to Homeland Security Investigations executing a search warrant at Martin’s home in July 2020. HSI Agents diligently analyzed Martin’s devices and identified the victims.
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“The actions of individuals who exploit and traumatize children are deeply disturbing and morally reprehensible.” The behavior in this case is absolutely appalling. “This sentence sends a clear message to individuals who share similar views: we are determined to protect our children and will utilize all available federal laws to prevent any harm,” said U.S. Attorney Ison in a firm statement.
The victims in this case are being commended for their bravery in coming forward to report these crimes. “The efforts made by individuals involved in this case have successfully prevented further harm to children and resulted in the apprehension of the perpetrator,” stated Angie M. Salazar, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Detroit. “It is important for everyone to remain vigilant about the risks our children encounter on the internet. Engaging in regular and early discussions about reporting such crimes to the authorities is crucial.” The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Tara Hindelang and was investigated by agents from Homeland Security Investigations.
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