Jason James Atha, a 50-year-old dentist from Broomfield, Colorado, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Florida on charges of attempted enticement of a minor and transportation of child pornography.
According to court documents, the investigation began in October 2023 when Atha allegedly used a social networking app to initiate sexually explicit conversations with an individual he believed to be the mother of an 8-year-old child in Florida.
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The “mother” was actually an undercover Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agent. Atha’s communications reportedly detailed the sexual acts he intended to commit with the child.
On August 9, Atha flew from Colorado to Palm Beach International Airport in Florida to carry out his plan but was arrested upon arrival. A search of Atha’s electronic devices revealed videos of child pornography.
Atha made his initial court appearance on August 12 in West Palm Beach, Florida, and is scheduled for arraignment on August 26 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge.
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If convicted, Atha faces a maximum sentence of life in prison for the charge of attempted enticement of a minor and up to 20 years for the transportation of child pornography.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe announced the charges for the Southern District of Florida and HSI Miami Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury. HSI West Palm Beach led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Schiller is prosecuting the case.
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