A US airman in Anchorage has been charged with exploiting a 9-year-old girl after posing as a teenager online. David Ibarra, 31, was arraigned in New York federal court on Wednesday following his February arrest in Anchorage.
Prosecutors accused the active duty airman of coercing the girl to create explicit videos and images through deceitful tactics. Authorities stated that Ibarra met the Long Island girl on TikTok last August, claiming to be a 13-year-old boy from Texas.
He allegedly convinced her to communicate further on Roblox, eventually persuading her to send explicit content. Investigators revealed that Ibarra sent the victim $191 across 17 Apple Pay transactions as part of his manipulation.
The girl’s mother discovered the disturbing messages and devised a plan to expose Ibarra’s identity. Pretending to be an older sister, she texted him using her phone to gather more details.
Unaware of the deception, Ibarra sent her a selfie, partially revealing his face. This evidence led investigators to trace his Texas-based phone number, search his iCloud account, and confirm his identity.
Ibarra allegedly admitted to paying the girl for explicit images while being questioned, claiming that he thought the girl was 12 years old. Additionally, prosecutors found evidence that Ibarra may have forced other victims similarly.
Ibarra is still being held pending trial. He was a senior airman and an air transportation specialist who managed cargo. According to an Air Force official, Ibarra has been unpaid since his arrest.
The spokeswoman did not make clear whether more military disciplinary measures were anticipated. The judge has ordered Ibarra held on charges of sexual exploitation of a child. His attorney has yet to respond to requests for comment.
This news article was originally published by Anchorage Daily News.
