A child predator who attempted to buy what he thought was an 11-year-old girl for sex in Oklahoma has been sentenced to 25 years in prison before he is deported.
The Canadian County Sheriff’s Office caught Braulio Luna in August 2024 when undercover agents posed as an 11-year-old who Luna thought he was buying for prostitution. According to the sheriff’s office, when Luna showed up to the meeting location and was arrested, he had a McDonald’s Happy Meal, “a detail investigators say demonstrated his clear intent to exploit a minor.”
Luna, 59, is not a U.S. citizen but is in the country legally, The Blaze reported. He must serve at least 18 years in prison of the 25-year sentence before release.
“Luna also admitted to investigators that he was there to purchase an 11-year-old because he was lonely,” a news release from the sheriff said. “Court documents indicate that Luna will be deported to his country of origin after completing his 18-year sentence.”
Luna also admitted to previously abusing a minor, an admission that’s still under investigation.
“This case is a heartbreaking example of the dangers our children face, but it also shows the incredible commitment of our deputies and our partners at [Safe from Online Sex Abuse],” Sheriff Chris West said. “Because of their hard work, a dangerous predator is behind bars, and our community is safer today. We will continue to do everything in our power to protect our children and bring justice to those who seek to harm them.”
Canadian County Sheriff’s Office Major Adam Flowers told KFOR-TV the case is part of a disturbing trend where predators are trafficking minors for sex.
“There are numerous websites out there that cater to this type of black market illicit activity where people are selling themselves for sex,” Flowers said. “Family members, foster families, even kids that have that are being trafficked by pimps… They all have people that use these apps for illicit purposes.”
“There is actually a code words that people use to advertise these. And once you are in the trade, you understand what these code words are,” he added.
