A Fresno man has pleaded guilty to charges of sexual exploitation of a minor following a revelation of online predatory behavior. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California reported that 34-year-old Peter Yang pleaded guilty to the crime after using a combination of gaming and social platforms to coerce a teenager into sending him sexually explicit images.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Yang's interactions with a 15-year-old from Missouri began on the popular gaming platform "Among Us," and later escalated to conversations on Discord and FaceTime between November 2021 and March 2022. The coercion extended beyond digital communication, as Yang also planned to travel and meet the victim in person, arranging to meet at a motel near the young victim's home. The investigation that resulted in Yang's plea was a joint effort between the Christian County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office and the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
For the charge of sexual exploitation of a minor, Yang could be facing up to 30 years in prison along with a $250,000 fine—with his sentence scheduled to be declared on July 14, the U.S. Attorney’s Office noted that the actual sentence will take into account various statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. These guidelines incorporate multiple variables which influence the final judgment rendered by the court.
The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative started back in May 2006 aimed at addressing child sexual exploitation and abuse throughout the country, bringing together various levels of law enforcement to both bring offenders to justice and to aid in the rescue of those victimized. More information on the initiative and resources for internet safety education can be found by visiting the Project Safe Childhood site.
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