New information about the US Army recruiter in South Florida who was arrested on federal child pornography charges after allegedly soliciting illegal content from a 17-year-old girl on Snapchat has been released by the FBI.
Staff Sergeant Danilo Fernandez II was arrested by the FBI on charges of attempted production of child pornography, receipt of child pornography and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity.
Things escalated between Fernandez and the minor high school student when he asked if she “snaps,” claiming there was something they needed to talk about, according to the FBI.
The FBI said they believe Fernandez goes by the name “stormsoldier 11.”
“Hence the reason to snap lol,” he messaged.
She said she did, then asked: “Would anything be held against me in terms of recruitment and seeing if I qualify.”
Once they became linked on Snapchat, Fernandez messaged, “Can I trust you with this cause no one has or knows about this and I’m not trying to go to jail here?”
The criminal complaint alleges that Fernandez eventually encouraged the minor to take and send him lewd and lascivious images and videos via Snapchat.
The teen told investigators about establishing a relationship with Fernandez from October through December 2017, stating the inappropriate conduct included physical sexual activity.
In November, Fernandez allegedly touched the teen in an inappropriate manner during a drive back from the recruiting office in Stuart, Florida.
Fernandez, a New York City native, became a soldier on September 11, 2001 and re-enlisted indefinitely at the World Trade Center Memorial site in 2013.
Before becoming a recruiter, while serving in the 241st Military Police Detachment at Fort Meade, he was awarded the 2013 Military Police Officer of the Year for the Military District of Washington.
The Army listed several awards he has achieved: Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medals, Meritorious Unit Citations, Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbons.
The Army says it is cooperating with the investigation and Fernandez has been suspended from all recruiting duties during the investigation.
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