Miami pharmacist Stefan Andres Correa’s depraved exploitation of over 50 Colombian children aged 10-17 has ended with a life sentence, revealing the shocking international network he built to abuse young girls while recording more than 100 videos of his horrific crimes.
Key Takeaways
- Stefan Andres Correa, a 42-year-old Miami pharmacist, received a life sentence for raping and trafficking more than 50 Colombian children as young as 10 years old
- Authorities discovered nine cell phones containing over 100 videos documenting his abuse and text messages with Colombian traffickers arranging meetings with minors
- Correa was arrested at Miami International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Colombia after dozens of previous trips over two years
- He pleaded guilty to attempted sex trafficking of minors and production of child sexual exploitation material after offering $75 and an iPhone for sex with an 11-year-old girl
- The case highlights America’s commitment to combating international child trafficking networks through Project Safe Childhood and cooperation with foreign authorities
Predator’s Reign of Terror Exposed
Stefan Andres Correa, a 42-year-old pharmacist from Miami, has been sentenced to life in federal prison after pleading guilty to horrific crimes against children in Colombia. The full extent of his predatory behavior was revealed during sentencing at the Federal Correctional Institution in Marianna, Florida, where US District Court Judge Beth Bloom condemned his actions that victimized more than 50 children between the ages of 10 and 17. Correa had traveled to Colombia dozens of times over a two-year period, establishing a pattern of abuse that only ended with his arrest.
Authorities apprehended Correa at Miami International Airport as he attempted to board yet another flight to Bogotá, Colombia. The investigation uncovered nine mobile phones in his possession, containing damning evidence of his crimes – including over 100 videos documenting his abuse of dozens of children. Even more disturbing were text messages between Correa and a Colombian sex trafficker, explicitly discussing payment for access to children as young as 10 to 12 years old for sexual exploitation.
Trafficker’s Calculated Predation
The investigation revealed the calculating nature of Correa’s predatory behavior. In one particularly disturbing exchange with a sex trafficker, Correa offered $75 and an iPhone for sexual access to an 11-year-old girl, stating: “If she behaves and takes good care of me, you can keep bringing her and you’ll each get [$75],” said Stefan Andres Correa.
In a desperate attempt to mitigate his sentence, Correa wrote to the judge claiming he had an “unhealthy yet treatable sex drive.” This pathetic justification for his systematic abuse of children fell on deaf ears as the court recognized the true nature of his actions. His guilty plea to attempted sex trafficking of a minor and production of child sexual exploitation material reflected only a fraction of the extensive crimes he had committed against dozens of vulnerable children across multiple trips to Colombia.
Justice Served and a Strong Warning
US Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne delivered a powerful message following the sentencing, emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and pursuing predators: “This prosecution and this sentence should serve as a warning to any predator who is trying to travel through our district to prey on children. We will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law,” said US Attorney Hayden P O’Byrne.
O’Byrne further justified the severity of the sentence, stating: “A life sentence for this conduct is entirely appropriate. Predators such as Correa are a scourge upon humanity and must be dealt with accordingly,” said US Attorney Hayden P O’Byrne.
International Cooperation Against Child Trafficking
The case highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating child sex trafficking networks. Jose R. Figueroa, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Miami, addressed the survivors directly: “To the brave survivors, your courage was the driving force in this case, and I hope that the life sentence of this predator brings you some measure of justice and relief,” said Jose R. Figueroa, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Miami.
The prosecution was part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. This case serves as a stark reminder of the global nature of child exploitation and the need for vigilance across borders. Authorities continue to urge anyone suspecting child abuse or trafficking to contact local law enforcement immediately, as community awareness remains a crucial component in identifying and stopping predators before they can harm more children.
