An Echo Park man who prosecutors say has agreed to plead guilty to federal charges of using a social media messaging app to distribute child pornography and attempt to sex-traffic two children remained in federal custody Thursday.
Francisco Anthony Dorame, 41, was scheduled for arraignment Thursday, but no plea was entered in court, and the case was transferred to a different judge to determine future court dates, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
According to prosecutors, Dorame has agreed to plead guilty to charges of attempted sex trafficking of a child under 14 and of distribution of child pornography.
Prosecutors said Dorame, who was arrested Aug. 23, used the Kik Messenger app in an attempt to traffic two children, aged 7 and 9.
He allegedly made two payments totaling $100 to a person with access to the children, then requested photos of the victims while expressing a desire to “play with them right away,” prosecutors said. He also allegedly used the app to set up a meeting time and location.
Dorame — who used the online monikers “dadboss99” and “SEXYCONN” — also used the app to distribute sexually explicit images of children between 4 and 6 years old, prosecutors said.
Once he enters his plea, Dorame will face between 15 years to life in federal prison.