A 21-year-old Chilean man who officials say developed an inappropriate relationship with an underage Los Angeles County girl he met virtually and then flew to the United States to meet her pleaded not guilty Tuesday to federal charges.
Daniel Aravena Oliva allegedly spent several months “manipulating and grooming” the 14-year-old victim through online platforms, including the gaming platform Roblox, before he was arrested on suspicion of child exploitation and the production of child pornography upon arriving at LAX in August, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Glendora Police Department.
Oliva pleaded not guilty in downtown Los Angeles to multiple federal offenses, including enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity, travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and possession of child pornography, prosecutors said.
Trial was tentatively set for Oct. 29.
Investigators say they learned that over six months, Oliva had manipulated and groomed the teen through various online platforms.
“With critical assistance from (Homeland Security Investigations), Glendora detectives were able to confirm the suspect’s travel plans to California,” Glendora police said in a statement. “The suspect had arranged to meet the victim in person, having booked accommodations near her residence.”
Oliva was detained on Aug. 20 at LAX by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers following the 11-hour flight from Chile.