A Eugene, Oregon man has been sentenced to 24 years in federal prison for using social media platforms to coerce and sexually exploit children across three states.
Vincent Alan Elder, 32, received a sentence of 288 months in federal prison followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. The court also ordered him to pay $10,000 in restitution to each of his three victims.
According to court records, Elder contacted three minors in Oregon, New York, and Florida between 2022 and 2023 using platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram. He made online payments to a minor in Florida in exchange for nude photographs. In Oregon, he provided vape pens, food deliveries, and left cash near the victim’s residence to obtain similar material. When a minor victim from New York attempted to end communication with him, Elder threatened to inform the victim’s mother or involve the victim’s younger sibling—an act described as sextortion.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began investigating after learning about the allegations. In November 2023, agents executed search warrants on Elder’s person, electronic devices, and motel room. Elder was arrested on December 1, 2023. A search of his devices revealed conversations with minor victims and explicit images involving at least one child.
“I am thankful for the brave victims who came forward, and I am grateful to the law enforcement agencies who helped bring this dangerous predator to justice,” said United States Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “We will continue to seek significant prison sentences for anyone who targets our communities’ children.”
“Investigating crimes against children is some of the most important work we do at the FBI,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson. “The crimes committed in this instance were egregious, and we moved swiftly to stop the predatory behavior. Even one child subjected to such abuse is one too many, and we continue to work with our local law enforcement partners to find instances of abuse and protect our communities.”
A federal grand jury indicted Elder on January 18, 2024 on seven counts including production of sexually explicit images involving minors, coercion and enticement of a minor, and possession of child pornography. On July 29, 2025 Elder pleaded guilty to two counts related to producing sexually explicit images with minors from New York and Florida and one count of attempted coercion involving an Oregon victim.
The investigation involved cooperation between the FBI as well as local police departments from Springfield and Eugene. Assistant United States Attorney William M. McLaren prosecuted the case.
Federal authorities encourage anyone with information regarding exploitation or abuse of children online or offline to contact the FBI by phone at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit tips through their website at https://tips.fbi.gov/.
Federal law considers any visual depiction involving sexually explicit conduct by a minor as child pornography; these materials document real crimes against children and repeated sharing can re-victimize those depicted.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006—to combat child sexual exploitation through coordinated efforts among federal prosecutors like U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and other government resources focused on apprehending offenders and supporting victims. More information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc.
