A former Reston, Virginia resident pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Abingdon to two counts of sexual exploitation of children after using Snapchat to solicit sexually explicit images from two middle school girls in Southwest Virginia.
Justin Steven Boileau, 30, who previously lived in both Reston, Virginia and Merritt Island, Florida, admitted to the charges on Monday.
“Protecting children from online threats is a priority for the prosecutors in the Western District of Virginia,” Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said. “We will continue to work with our partners at the FBI, as well as state and local law enforcement, to hold accountable sexual predators who target our children online.”
Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division, added: “While social media is a powerful tool for keeping us connected, it can also be a dangerous weapon criminals use to take advantage of our kids. In bringing justice for these victims, we ask all parents and guardians to stay engaged and know who your children are talking to online.”
According to court documents, Boileau used Snapchat under the alias ‘Josh’—posing as a hockey player—to communicate with Minor Victim One beginning in fall 2023. At that time, Boileau was in his late twenties living in Reston while Minor Victim One was twelve years old and resided in Russell County. Over several months through early 2024, their conversations became explicitly sexual; Boileau requested nude photos and videos from Minor Victim One and sent sexually explicit images himself.
In early 2024, Boileau initiated similar communications with Minor Victim Two—also twelve years old from Russell County—using Snapchat. He requested sexually explicit images and videos from her as well. Investigators determined that Boileau was aware both victims were minors when he made these requests.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Russell County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Carrie Macon is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in 2006 aimed at combating child exploitation through collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
