Florida pharmacist Stefan Andres Correa, who raped more than 50 Colombian girls as young as 10 and documented his crimes in over 100 videos, has been sentenced to life in federal prison after authorities intercepted him at Miami International Airport.
Key Takeaways
- Stefan Andres Correa, a 42-year-old Miami pharmacist, received a life sentence for trafficking and sexually abusing more than 50 Colombian children aged 10-17.
- Authorities discovered over 100 videos of abuse on nine cell phones, along with text messages to a Colombian trafficker arranging encounters with minors for as little as $75.
- Correa traveled to Colombia dozens of times over two years before being arrested at Miami International Airport while attempting to board another flight to Bogotá.
- Despite claiming an “unhealthy yet treatable sex drive” in a letter to the judge, Correa received maximum punishment after pleading guilty to attempted sex trafficking and production of child exploitation material.
- Officials emphasized that the case highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating global child sex trafficking networks.
Predator’s Heinous Crimes Exposed
Stefan Andres Correa’s reign of terror against Colombian children came to an end when federal authorities arrested him at Miami International Airport as he attempted to board yet another flight to Bogotá. The 42-year-old Florida pharmacist had been making regular trips to Colombia for two years, during which time he systematically abused more than 50 children between the ages of 10 and 17. Law enforcement officials discovered the extent of his depravity after seizing nine mobile phones containing over 100 videos documenting his horrific crimes against these vulnerable minors.
The evidence against Correa was overwhelming and disturbing. One phone contained explicit text message exchanges with a Colombian sex trafficker who arranged encounters with young victims. In one particularly revolting conversation, Correa offered a mere $75 and an iPhone in exchange for access to an 11-year-old girl, callously stating his intentions for the child.
“If she behaves and takes good care of me, you can keep bringing her and you’ll each get [$75],” wrote Stefan Andres Correa in messages to a Colombian trafficker.
Justice Served with Maximum Sentence
US District Court Judge Beth Bloom showed no leniency when sentencing Correa to life imprisonment at the Federal Correctional Institution in Marianna, Florida. Despite Correa’s plea for understanding in a letter to the judge where he claimed to have an “unhealthy yet treatable sex drive,” the court recognized the severity of his crimes against children. The prosecution was conducted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse using coordinated federal, state, and local resources.
“A life sentence for this conduct is entirely appropriate. Predators such as Correa are a scourge upon humanity and must be dealt with accordingly,” said US Attorney Hayden P O’Byrne.
Correa’s guilty plea to attempted sex trafficking of a minor and production of child sexual exploitation material ensured he would face the harshest punishment available. The court’s decision sends a powerful message to other potential predators that American authorities will pursue and prosecute those who travel abroad to exploit children, regardless of where the crimes take place. Correa’s case demonstrates that national borders provide no protection for those who victimize the most vulnerable.
International Cooperation Key to Fighting Child Trafficking
This case highlights the critical importance of cross-border cooperation in identifying and prosecuting child predators. Homeland Security Investigations worked with Colombian authorities to build the case against Correa, demonstrating the effectiveness of international partnerships in combating child sex tourism. The practice of Americans traveling to countries with less rigorous law enforcement to abuse children has become a significant concern, but cases like Correa’s show that such criminals will face justice regardless of where they commit their crimes.
“To the brave survivors, your courage was the driving force in this case, and I hope that the life sentence of this predator brings you some measure of justice and relief,” said Jose R. Figueroa, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Miami.
Officials have emphasized that anyone suspecting child abuse or trafficking should contact local law enforcement immediately. The prosecution of Correa represents part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to crack down on international sex trafficking networks that target children. Federal authorities remain vigilant in monitoring international travel by known sex offenders and continue to develop intelligence networks to identify and intercept those who would travel abroad to exploit children.
