Garden Grove Man Sentenced 14 Years for Exploiting 12 Girls Online

James Styner, a 20-year-old man from Garden Grove, California, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges including coercion and enticement of a minor, distribution of child pornography, and receipt of child pornography. Between the ages of 17 and 19, Styner exploited at least a dozen underage girls across the United States through an extensive online campaign using the Discord platform, where he manipulated vulnerable girls aged 12 to 17 into producing sexually explicit material. He also admitted to having in-person sexual relationships with at least two of the victims and distributing self-produced child pornography. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro emphasized that those who exploit children will be pursued and prosecuted fully, whether their actions occur online or in private. Following his prison term, Styner will also serve seven years of supervised release. The case highlights ongoing federal efforts to combat online exploitation and protect minors from predatory behavior.