Middle School Assistant Principal charged with attempted sex trafficking of a minor

32 year old Ruben Guzman of San Jose was charged by indictment with attempted sex trafficking of a minor and attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.

U.S. Attorney's Office of Northern California released details today.

"Ruben Guzman, 32, of San Jose, has been charged by indictment with attempted sex trafficking of a minor and attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.  Guzman made his initial appearance today and was arraigned on his charges.

According to statements made in court, Guzman was an assistant middle school principal.  The indictment alleges that Guzman attempted to engage in a commercial sex act with a person that he believed had not attained the age of 14.  The indictment also alleges that Guzman attempted to engage in sexual activities with a person that he believed had not attained the age of 18.  Guzman was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. The case is assigned to the Honorable U.S. District Judge Edward J. Davila for further proceedings.

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life in prison for both counts.  Attempted sex trafficking of a minor carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, and attempted coercion and enticement of a minor carries a 10-year mandatory minimum. The defendant also faces a fine of up to $250,000, and potential forfeiture. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Neal C. Hong is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Sahib Kaur.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and SJPD."