A 26-year-old Illinois man is facing multiple criminal charges after prosecutors alleged he used Snapchat to communicate with a minor before arranging an in-person meeting that led to sexual abuse allegations in McHenry County.
According to court documents, Yan C. Moreno-Martinez of Carpentersville has been charged with production of child sexual abuse material, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, indecent solicitation of a minor, and two counts of traveling to meet a minor. Prosecutors say the case involves a 16-year-old victim and events that took place in late October.
Authorities say the allegations highlight how online communication platforms can sometimes be used by adults to form relationships with minors that later move offline. The case is now moving forward through the McHenry County court system as investigators and prosecutors continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the allegations.
Allegations of Online Contact and Travel to Meet a Minor
A criminal complaint filed in McHenry County Circuit Court alleges Moreno-Martinez first communicated with the victim electronically before traveling to meet her on October 28.
Prosecutors claim the defendant arranged to pick up the minor at her residence in Crystal Lake and then drove her to other locations. According to the complaint and grand jury indictment, Moreno-Martinez allegedly transported the victim to a parking lot where the alleged sexual abuse occurred.
Authorities say the case includes allegations that the defendant encouraged the victim to participate in a video depicting her in what prosecutors described as a lewd exhibition. The charges related to production of child sexual abuse material stem from these claims.
Law enforcement officials say digital communication between adults and minors can create situations where younger individuals may feel pressured or manipulated into meeting in person. Investigators say reviewing electronic communications and surveillance footage is often a key component of these cases.
Prosecutors Describe Prior Police Encounter
Court records show that the alleged incident occurred after a prior interaction involving police earlier in October.
According to prosecutors, officers had responded to a movie theater on October 16 following a reported physical altercation between Moreno-Martinez and the victim. During that incident, prosecutors allege the defendant placed his hands around the teen’s throat after discovering she was texting another male.
Police reportedly informed Moreno-Martinez during that encounter that the girl was 16 years old. The victim’s mother was called to the scene and took her home.
Despite that interaction, prosecutors allege Moreno-Martinez continued communicating with the victim in the days that followed.
Cases involving minors and electronic communication platforms have increasingly drawn attention from law enforcement agencies across the country, particularly when adults allegedly continue contact after learning a person’s age.
Alleged Events in an Algonquin Parking Lot
Prosecutors say that on October 28, Moreno-Martinez picked up the victim and drove her to several locations, including parking areas behind businesses.
According to the complaint, one of those locations was the parking lot of a Home Depot store in Algonquin. Investigators say surveillance video from the store confirmed that Moreno-Martinez’s vehicle was present in the lot around the time the victim reported the alleged abuse occurred.
Prosecutors allege Moreno-Martinez pushed the victim to perform oral sex during the encounter. After the alleged incident, authorities say the defendant told the minor, “You earned yourself some food,” before taking her to get something to eat.
Officials say the victim later sought and obtained an order of protection against Moreno-Martinez. Court documents also allege that the defendant attempted to contact one of the victim’s friends in an effort to reach her after the order had been issued.
Judge Orders Defendant Held Pending Trial
Moreno-Martinez was charged late last month and is currently being held in the McHenry County Jail.
A McHenry County Judge granted a request from prosecutors to detain the defendant while the case proceeds. According to the judge, the allegations suggested that Moreno-Martinez intentionally formed a relationship with a minor and pushed her toward sexual activity.
During the detention hearing, the judge said electronic monitoring or GPS tracking would not sufficiently reduce the potential risk to minors.
Moreno-Martinez is scheduled to appear in court again for a hearing regarding the status of a trial date and a motion to compel.
As with all criminal cases, the charges represent allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Online Communication and Risks Facing Young People
Cases involving alleged solicitation of minors often begin with communication on social media platforms or messaging apps.
Experts say minors may be especially vulnerable when an older individual builds trust over time through online conversations. In some situations, communication can escalate to requests for images, videos, or in-person meetings.
Parents, guardians, and educators often play an important role in helping young people understand online safety and recognizing potentially harmful interactions.
For impacted individuals, experiences involving sexual misconduct, especially when power imbalances or manipulation are involved, can be confusing and difficult to talk about.
That is why access to the right resources can be critical for victims and survivors navigating what happened and considering possible next steps.
Get Help: Support and Legal Resources Are Available
If you or someone you care about has experienced sexual abuse, exploitation, or inappropriate conduct involving an adult and a minor, you are not alone. Support, information, and legal guidance may be available.
Helping Survivors works with trusted advocates and legal professionals who focus on cases involving sexual misconduct and exploitation. Our team helps connect victims and survivors with resources, including counseling services and experienced attorneys who handle civil sexual abuse cases.
Every survivor’s situation is different, and there is no single path forward. Some individuals want emotional support or information about their rights. Others may want to explore legal options.
If you would like to learn more about your options, you can reach out to Helping Survivors to explore confidential support and potential legal pathways.
