A Toronto man has been sentenced to ten years in United States federal prison this week after being caught in an elaborate online child predator sting operation conducted by Virginia law enforcement. Tommy Varesh, aged 54, traveled from Canada to Virginia last year with the intent of meeting a 15-year-old girl for sexual purposes, only to discover that the individual was an undercover police officer working to apprehend online predators.
Details of the Sting Operation
According to court documents obtained by authorities, Varesh used an undisclosed online platform approximately five weeks prior to his arrest to connect with someone he believed was a teenager. This individual had posted on a forum discussing discreet sexual relationships in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, with mentions of potential in-person meetings. The profile was actually part of the Fairfax County Police Department's Child Exploitation Unit initiative known as "Caught in the Web," which targets predators who use digital platforms to initiate inappropriate conversations with minors.
Online Interactions and Incriminating Evidence
Operating under the online handle Knottyboix69 and falsely claiming to be from New York, Varesh quickly engaged in explicit conversations. Within the first fifteen messages, he inquired about the supposed teen's virginity and discussed previous sexual experiences. Over subsequent days, he attempted to build trust and emotional connection while insisting their relationship remain secret from adults, including her mother.
Varesh's messages became increasingly graphic, involving sexual questions, descriptions of acts, and requests for nude video calls on a secondary messaging platform. During one video call, he exposed himself, though the undercover officer managed the interaction to prevent visual confirmation. He also lamented that the girl did not live in a state with a lower age of consent, prompting suggestions to meet elsewhere.
Arrest and Sentencing
When arrested in June, Varesh was found carrying black lingerie and emergency contraception, items he intended to use during the meeting. He was charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. This week, he received a ten-year sentence in U.S. federal prison, highlighting the severe consequences for such predatory behavior.
Broader Implications for Online Safety
This case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat online child exploitation through proactive sting operations. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by predators who use digital platforms to target vulnerable individuals, and the importance of vigilance in protecting minors from such threats. The sentencing reflects a firm stance against these crimes, aiming to deter similar activities and ensure justice for potential victims.
