Virginia Man Indicted on Child Pornography and Sex Tourism Charges

A Virginia man was indicted today and charged with multiple crimes involving travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with minors and child pornography.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente of the Eastern District of Virginia and Assistant Director in Charge Andrew W. Vale of the FBI’s Washington Field Office made the announcement.

Carl Sara, 63, of Springfield, Virginia, was indicted by a federal grand jury today with one count each of attempted sex trafficking of children, attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sex, traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with minors, and transportation and possession of child pornography.

According to the indictment, beginning in approximately May 2013, Sara allegedly used the internet to communicate with sellers of child pornography, and others, in the Philippines in order to obtain child pornography. Additionally, the indictment alleges that Sara traveled to the Philippines on one occasion to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. Further, the indictment also alleges that Sara transported child pornography across state lines.

The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The FBI’s Washington Field Office is investigating the case. Trial Attorney James E. Burke IV of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel Smith are prosecuting the case.