Federal prosecutors state that a Florida pharmacist, convicted of horrific crimes, will spend the rest of his life in prison after repeatedly abusing and trafficking numerous young girls during trips to Colombia.
Stefan Andres Correa, 42, received a life sentence on Friday when authorities found over 100 disturbing videos depicting him abusing more than 50 children on nine mobile devices. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida provided this information.
According to the prosecution, Correa targeted girls aged 10 to 17.
“This prosecution should be a warning to anyone looking to exploit children in our district,” U.S. attorney Hayden P. Ovillund remarked in a statement. “We will track you down and pursue the maximum penalty under the law. Life sentences for such actions are entirely justified. Individuals like Correa represent a grave threat to humanity that must be confronted.”
The investigation revealed that Correa was apprehended while attempting to board a flight to Bogotá from Miami International Airport last April.
One of the phones taken into evidence contained text messages in which Correa allegedly offered $75 to Colombian traffickers to arrange sexual encounters with children as young as 10.
In one alarming message, he wrote, “If she behaves and takes care of me, you can get her for [$75].” Court documents state that he also had offered to reward girls with Apple iPhones.
Correa traveled to South America around 45 times to exploit minors, according to records.
In March, he pleaded guilty to attempted sex trafficking of minors and attempted production of child exploitation materials.
A statement from a survivor in the case emphasized, “Your bravery was essential in this situation. It’s my hope that this life sentence offers you some measure of justice and peace.”
This case underlines the alarming global reality of child sex trafficking and the necessity for international collaboration to combat it.
