NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - California, Southern), published as received.

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY –  October 25, 2018

SAN DIEGO, CA – On Thursday, October 25, 2018 a federal jury in San Diego, California, found Isaiah Smallwood-Jackson guilty of production of child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251(a) and enticement of a minor, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b), announced United States Attorney Adam Braverman. The convictions trigger mandatory minimum sentences of 15 and 10 years, respectively.  

According to evidence presented at trial, Smallwood-Jackson began communicating with a 14-year-old girl, using the social media application “Spotafriend.” The victim’s profile listed her true age of 14.  Smallwood-Jackson admitted during chats with the victim that he was 21 years old and did not care that the victim was a minor.  Communicating over social media, Smallwood-Jackson discussed sexual acts he wanted to perform with the minor. He convinced her to produce and send him sexually explicit pictures and to provide her address.  The minor repeatedly told Smallwood-Jackson that she was not sure she wanted to meet with him, but he told her to “take a leap of faith.”  He then traveled to her home, convinced her to come outside, and engaged in sexual activity with her.  In texts afterward, Smallwood-Jackson apologized for hurting the minor victim.  She disclosed the event to her sister, who reported it to law enforcement.

“Internet predators beware: the Department of Justice is committed to striking back against repugnant crimes against innocent children," said U.S. Attorney Adam Braverman.  “No child should ever have to endure sexual abuse.  The United States will utilize every tool available to it to hold these predators accountable.”

Defendant is set to be sentenced on January 28, 2019, at 9am before the Honorable Cynthia Bashant.

AGENCIES

This case was investigated by the Oceanside Police Department.  The FBI then pursued federal charges through filing of a federal criminal complaint.