MINNEAPOLIS — A Lewiston man was charged in federal court with an sextortion scheme that investigators say victimized more than 60 minors, mostly girls but a few boys too. Federal prosecutor Michael McBride called it blackmail. According to court documents, Valentin Silva Quintana, 30, Snapchat, Instagram and other social media apps exploit girls primarily in Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, New Zealand and elsewhere. This was over 11 months ending with Quintana’s arrest at his Lewiston home last June. The charge says that Quintana:
> Knew that most of the girls were between 9 and 12.
> Used fake identities, lied about his posed as a minor girl himself, and sometimes pretended be a friend or romantic partner, or by offering them money.
> Threatened to send image to their friends and family unless the girls produced ever more graphic sexual images and cavorting videos for him.
> Persisted even as victims wept and begged him to stop.
Federal Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright ordered that Quintana be held in jail pending further court proceedings. He already has spent 7-1/2 months in the Winona County jail after his arrest.
Call for tips
Although 60-plus minor girls have been identified in the sextortion, investigators believe there may be more. Anyone who believes they have information was encouraged to contact Homeland Security at toll-free 1-866-347-2423.
Verbatim
Jamie Holt, Homeland Security chief in St. Paul: ““Today’s indictment sends a crucial message to all predators: We will not allow any crimes against our most vulnerable population to go unpunished. We are dedicated to protecting our children against sexual predators who seek to take advantage of their innocence by working with our federal, state and local partners to bring people like Quintana to justice.”