SAN JUAN, PR—Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Leff, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) San Juan Field Office, announced the arrest of Brad Eugene Collins, Jr.

On November 8, 2019, Collins, Jr. was arrested by FBI agents of the Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and charged under a complaint with violations of Title 18 United States Code, Section 2422(b)—Attempted enticement of a minor for unlawful sexual activity—and Section 1470—Transfer of obscene material to a minor—for events which took place in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Collins, Jr. attempted to entice a 13-year-old girl to have sex with him, by offering money and sending explicit sexual pictures through messaging apps. He was arrested by FBI agents upon arriving at a coffee shop, where he had agreed to meet with the child.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Nick Cannon and is being investigated by the FBI. If found guilty, subject faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.

Tips and information assist the FBI and its federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. Citizens with information are asked to contact the FBI San Juan Field Office at 787-754-6000, or to submit tips through the FBI’s tip line available on our website at www.Tips.FBI.Gov. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

The public is reminded a complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty. The U.S. government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.