Illegal Immigrant Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Have Sex with a Minor

UTICA, NEW YORK - Bryan Silva, age 34, pled guilty on July 28, 2026, to one count of attempting to persuade or entice a minor to engage in prostitution. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

Silva is a Brazilian citizen illegally present in the United States. On April 29, 2025, Silva responded to an online advertisement offering access to a minor for commercial sex. The defendant was told repeatedly that the girl was 12. Despite this, he went to meet her and paid $100 for a "quick visit." After handing over the money, the defendant was arrested.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sarcone stated: "This case highlights the serious threat posed when illegal aliens unlawfully enter the United States and commit crimes. As alleged, this criminal alien attempted to pay who he believed was a 12-year-old child for sex. Thanks to the swift and effective action of the FBI, his efforts were stopped. With today's plea, Silva now faces a mandatory federal prison sentence of 10 years to life. Once he serves his sentence, he will be subject to deportation from the United States."

Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli said: "With this plea, Mr. Silva admits he didn't just respond to an ad but actually showed up and paid to have sex with a 12-year-old child. Those repulsive actions will now send him to federal prison for at least a decade, and possibly the rest of his life. The FBI, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to protect our children by aggressively investigating and holding accountable the sick predators who are trying to harm them."

Silva will be sentenced on November 5, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Brindisi. Silva faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison. A defendant's sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. After serving his sentence, Silva will be subject to deportation.

The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Walter is prosecuting the case.