El Paso Standard

Brandon Kuper, a 22-year-old from Tacoma, Washington, has been sentenced to 165 months in federal prison followed by ten years of supervised release. This decision was made on February 25 after Kuper was found guilty of using social media platforms to coerce a minor into sending sexually explicit materials and engaging in self-harm. The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) alongside local law enforcement.

Court documents reveal that in November 2022, Kuper initiated contact with a minor via Discord and Snapchat, aiming to build a relationship. He coerced the victim into producing explicit photos and videos, some involving sadistic and masochistic acts. When the victim resisted his demands, Kuper threatened harm against the victim and their family. The situation persisted until the victim reported Kuper's actions to their parents and law enforcement.

“Through his use of popular social media platforms, Kerr sought to manipulate and exploit vulnerable minors for his own depraved desires,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Murphy. “Fortunately, the bravery of the victim in coming forward to their parents and law enforcement helped put an end to this individual’s predatory behavior."

Investigators discovered that Kuper used these platforms to solicit sexually explicit material from minors. In some cases, he instructed victims to cut his username "Merqzs" into their skin and send him photographic evidence. Additionally, he created revenge pornography featuring at least one other non-compliant victim. Kuper was arrested on November 10, 2022, in Tacoma.

On November 17, 2022, a federal grand jury indicted Kuper on charges of child pornography production and enticing a minor. He pleaded guilty on November 20, 2024.

The investigation was conducted by ICE with support from the Bend Police Department and Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Digital Forensics Laboratory. Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. McLaren prosecuted the case.

ICE encourages anyone with information about child exploitation to contact them at 866-347-2423 or report online incidents through Know2Protect Tipline or NCMEC CyberTipline.

Know2Protect is a campaign by the Department of Homeland Security aimed at raising awareness about online child sexual exploitation risks while providing resources for prevention and reporting such crimes.