Fort Pierce, FL – A federal jury has convicted Michael Gordon Douglas, 48, of Escondido, California, on multiple charges related to child sexual exploitation. Douglas was found guilty of seven counts of distributing child sexual abuse material and one count of attempted enticement of a minor for sexual activity.
During the five-day trial, prosecutors presented evidence that in October 2023, Douglas engaged in disturbing online activities. He participated in a chat room focused on incest and other illicit topics, where he communicated with an individual he believed to be the mother of an eight-year-old girl. Over several months, Douglas shared explicit photos and videos, boasted about past offenses, and instructed the mother on how to sexualize her child for future encounters.
Douglas attempted to organize a Halloween event where he intended to assault the child. On the day of the planned meeting, he fled from law enforcement but was eventually stopped. During the confrontation, a female passenger warned officers of a potential threat, prompting Douglas to brandish what appeared to be a grenade. After a tense standoff with a SWAT team, Douglas surrendered the replica grenade and was taken into custody.
A search of Douglas’s vehicle revealed various items he had discussed bringing to the meeting, including sex toys, lingerie, and a stuffed animal. It was shown that he purchased these items online shortly before the planned encounter.
Douglas is scheduled for sentencing on August 25 at 10 a.m. in front of U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon. He faces a federal prison sentence ranging from a minimum of 15 years to life.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami and San Diego Field Divisions. The prosecution is being handled by U.S. Attorneys Justin Chapman and Adam McMichael.
This conviction is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project mobilizes federal, state, and local resources to apprehend and prosecute offenders and rescue victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
