Seattle man charged with transporting minor for prostitution or illegal sexual activity

SEATTLE — A 32-year-old Seattle man was charged by criminal complaint Wednesday with Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Prostitution or Criminal Sexual Activity.

U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran announced the charges and said the man, identified as Gary Stensland, was arrested Wednesday and made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Seattle.

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According to the criminal complaint, Stensland traveled to Portland in September 2018 to meet a 13-year-old who he had contacted on an app.

Officials said Stensland returned to Seattle with the minor and paid the minor for sex. Stensland later drove the minor back to Portland.

Officials said the minor just recently disclosed the abuse.

On Wednesday, the FBI served a search warrant at Stensland’s residence and seized his electronic devices.

Officials said they are also investigating other sexual contact Stensland may have had with minors.

Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Prostitution or Criminal Sexual Activity is punishable by a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and up to life in prison.

Cox Media Group