A New Orleans man has admitted in federal court that he used texts and niche online platforms to coerce a minor into producing sexually explicit images and to line up sex encounters for her in D.C., a case officials say highlights how quickly routine messaging apps can turn into tools of exploitation.
Joseph Gallina, 34, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on April 30 to one count of coercion and enticement of a minor, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Columbia. He entered the plea on Thursday before Chief Judge James E. Boasberg in federal court in Washington.
What Prosecutors Say Happened
According to prosecutors, court filings show that in July 2024 Gallina communicated with the minor through text messages and several mobile apps and directed her to create sexually explicit photos and videos. He then allegedly posted a solicitation on a fetish website that featured images of the minor and tried to arrange sexual encounters between her and adult men in the D.C. area.
Several men responded to the ad and one man met the minor and had sex with her, prosecutors say. "This case is a stark reminder of the grave harm caused by those who exploit and manipulate minors for their own purposes," U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro said in the release, per the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Columbia. Sentencing is set for Sept. 24, 2026.
Court Docket And What Comes Next
The case is listed as USA v. Gallina, 24-cr-529. Court records reflect that an order unsealing the matter was filed in December 2024, according to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The prosecution is proceeding in federal court in Washington, and the case will return to Chief Judge Boasberg for sentencing later this year.
Investigation And National Context
The investigation was led by the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and brought under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative. Nationally, the FBI has warned that sextortion and online enticement of minors are on the rise, noting that offenders often use common messaging platforms and social sites to pressure and manipulate victims. The bureau outlines those tactics and offers prevention tips on its website, per the FBI.
Resources And Support
People with information about this case or similar conduct can find reporting tools and victim-support resources through Project Safe Childhood. The FBI and local law enforcement agencies also maintain tip lines and online reporting portals for child-exploitation leads.
