Volunteer And Former Employee Of Minneapolis Charter School Charged With Sexually Exploiting Minors

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald announced a federal criminal complaint against JOSIAH RAUL MOSQUEDA, 27, charging him with coercion and enticement of two separate minors, transfer of obscene material to a minor, and receipt, distribution, and production of child pornography. MOSQUEDA made his initial appearance today before Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. MOSQUEDA was ordered to remain in custody pending a formal detention hearing, which is scheduled for Monday, April 1, 2019.

According to the allegations in the complaint, MOSQUEDA was a volunteer and former employee of a Minneapolis charter school and a volunteer at a different Minneapolis middle school. From July 6, 2017, through December 23, 2018, MOSQUEDA engaged in sexually explicit communications, including transferring graphic, sexually explicit images and videos, to minors via Facebook Messenger. MOSQUEDA sent hundreds of messages to at least one minor, repeatedly requesting images and videos of sexually explicit acts or suggesting sexual encounters. In one instance, a minor reached out to MOSQUEDA for financial help getting his cell phone fixed. MOSQUEDA paid for the repair with the condition that the minor repay him by “hook[ing] up.”

According to the allegations in the complaint, MOSQUEDA was aware that his conduct was illegal, sending a message to one minor that read, “I mean if I show you you literally cant show anyone. I would go to jail and never be able to teach or work in a school lol.” MOSQUEDA’s Facebook also contained posts regarding law enforcement officers, as well as the Government in general, stating that, “all pigs must die,” and “[expletive] the pigs, barbeque them all.”

Based on the evidence obtained in this investigation, authorities believe there may be additional victims of the alleged conduct. Anyone with information about this matter is encouraged to call the BCA Tip Line at 1-877-996-6222. Callers may remain anonymous.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (“BCA”).

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol M. Kayser and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Middlecamp.

Defendant Information:

JOSIAH RAUL MOSQUEDA, 27

Minneapolis, Minn.

Charges:

• Receipt of child pornography, 1 count
• Coercion and enticement of a minor, 4 counts
• Production of child pornography, 1 count
• Transfer of obscene material to a minor, 1 count
• Distribution of child pornography, 1 count

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600