SAN DIEGO—The San Diego Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Field Office and San Diego Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force are asking for the public’s help in identifying potential victims and additional information about an alleged sexual offender, Eric Jacob Layton.

On July 6, 2023, the FBI, in coordination with ICAC, executed a federal search warrant for crimes related to child exploitation at the home of Layton, formerly known as Eric Leighton Abrams, located at 6446 Panel Court in San Diego. Layton was subsequently arrested on state charges of contacting minors in an attempt to engage in sexual activities. He was booked into San Diego County Jail on the evening of July 6, 2023 and held on $275,000 bail.

On July 7, 2023, Layton was released on bond with a hearing set for July 17, 2023. On July 10, 2023, Layton was arrested by the FBI near his home on Panel Court on federal charges out of the Southern District of Florida on attempted production of child pornography charges. Layton remains in federal custody awaiting extradition to Florida.

The investigation revealed that on numerous occasions, Layton targeted minors involved in youth/amateur sports. He initiated contact as a doctor, sports reporter, massage therapist, and youth sports modeling agent to establish a relationship and either solicit sexually explicit photos or arrange in-person meetings.

In early April 2023, Plantation Police Department in Broward County, Florida and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Cyber Tipline received a report that a 15-year-old male was being solicited online via social media and voice calls to produce child sexual abuse material. Accounts used to contact the minor were linked to Layton’s residence in San Diego, where he lived with his infant son.

The FBI and ICAC have identified several more victims who were primarily targeted through their involvement in youth sports. Layton has even facilitated multiple massages of a minor, portraying himself as a sports massage therapist named Travis Parkin who specialized in youth athletes. He also contacted potential victims identifying himself as a sports physician by the name of Dr. Alexis Iniesta. Many of the victims are believed to be San Diego based.

Anyone with information regarding suspicious contact with Layton is encouraged to e-mail the FBI at laytoninvestigation@fbi.gov.