Grand Rapids, Mich. — A 29-year-old man from New York has been arrested on federal charges after he allegedly coerced an 11-year-old girl into sending sexually explicit images of herself through online threats.
The man, identified as Ryan Romario Dookhan, is accused of using a series of online interactions to manipulate the girl into complying with his demands, which ultimately led to charges of sexual exploitation of a child.
According to federal court records, the girl, who resides in northern Michigan, met Dookhan while playing an online game. Initially, their interactions seemed innocent, as they exchanged virtual pets within the game. However, the situation quickly escalated when Dookhan, pretending to be a boy her age, directed the girl to download the Justalk app for private conversations. Over time, Dookhan allegedly began making threats, coercing the girl to send sexually explicit images of herself. Court documents reveal that Dookhan threatened the girl with violence if she did not comply, saying he would “search for her house” and harm her family. Fearing for her safety, the girl sent the explicit photos. At one point, she disclosed her true age to Dookhan, but he continued to demand further images.
The investigation began when the girl’s parents discovered her involvement in sexual conversations and the exchange of nude images with men she met through online platforms such as Roblox and Justalk. Michigan State Police launched an investigation after the parents reported the incident, leading to a series of search warrants and the eventual identification of Dookhan.
Authorities tracked Dookhan to his home in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, New York, where he worked as a school security guard at Challenge Charter School. A significant break in the case came when Dookhan, in a series of photos he shared with the girl, wore a distinctive polo shirt with the school’s logo, which helped investigators confirm his identity.
Dookhan was arrested earlier this month at John F. Kennedy International Airport as he was preparing to board a flight. He now faces three counts of sexual exploitation of a child, each carrying a potential sentence of 15 to 30 years in federal prison if convicted.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the risks children face in the digital age. Experts emphasize the importance of parental supervision, education on online safety, and swift action when suspicious behavior is noticed.
Authorities continue to warn parents and guardians about the dangers of online predators and the importance of monitoring their children’s digital activity. Dookhan is scheduled for further hearings as the investigation into the case continues.
