University City High School Teacher Charged with Attempted Enticement of a Minor

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 24, 2023

SAN DIEGO – Sean Stevenson, a high school science teacher at University City High School, was arrested today by the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force and charged in federal court with Attempted Enticement of a Minor.

Stevenson is scheduled to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mitchell Dembin on October 25, 2023, at 2 p.m.

Stevenson’s alleged illicit activity was discovered during another sex trafficking investigation. According to a criminal complaint, a review of messages from that investigation identified Stevenson as interested in paying for sex with a minor.

An undercover law enforcement officer began text messaging with Stevenson via the Pinger application. The officer claimed to be sex trafficking her 16-year-old cousin.

The complaint states that on October 23, 2023, Stevenson messaged the undercover officer and negotiated a price of $140 for oral sex from a 16-year-old girl. Stevenson and the undercover officer agreed to meet early on October 24, 2023, on El Cajon Boulevard for the “date” with the minor. Stevenson arrived at the location around 7 a.m. and was arrested.

The complaint states that $140 was found in Stevenson’s car.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Derek Ko and Andrew Sherwood.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact San Diego County Crime Stoppers (888-580-8477) and the National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-373-7888).

DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 23MJ3854

Sean Stevenson                                               Age: 58                                   San Diego, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Attempted Enticement of a Minor– Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2422(b)

Maximum penalty: Life in prison, 10-year mandatory minimum

AGENCY

Homeland Security Investigations

San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force

The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.