New Haven Man Charged with Exploiting Minors Online

Marcos Alex Mendez Torres accused of coercing and traveling to meet young girls he contacted through social media

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:42pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked and damaged smartphone screen, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the violation and trauma of online child exploitation.The harsh, unforgiving light of this crime scene evidence captures the devastating impact of online predators who target vulnerable children.New Haven Today

A 26-year-old New Haven man has been charged with several federal crimes related to the exploitation of minors he met and communicated with online. Marcos Alex Mendez Torres allegedly used social media platforms like Roblox, Snapchat, and Discord to contact and coerce young girls, including an 11-year-old in Pennsylvania and a 12-year-old in Ohio, before traveling to meet them for sexual activity.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing threat of online child exploitation and the need for increased education and awareness around internet safety, especially as young people spend more time in virtual spaces. It also raises concerns about bail reform and the ability of repeat offenders to continue victimizing minors.

The details

According to federal prosecutors, Mendez Torres began communicating with the 11-year-old Pennsylvania girl on the online game platform Roblox in 2022. Over the next two years, he used the social media usernames 'nozuto' and 'demoniodedinero' to contact the girl on Discord and Snapchat. In 2023, he also started communicating with a 12-year-old girl in Ohio through social media. In March 2024, Mendez Torres traveled to Pennsylvania to meet the 13-year-old girl and engage in sexual activity, before continuing on to Ohio with the intention of meeting the 12-year-old.

  • Between 2022 and 2024, Mendez Torres communicated with the 11-year-old Pennsylvania girl.
  • Between 2023 and 2024, Mendez Torres communicated with the 12-year-old Ohio girl.
  • In March 2024, Mendez Torres traveled to Pennsylvania to meet the 13-year-old girl.
  • Mendez Torres was arrested by Connecticut State Police on June 26, 2024.

The players

Marcos Alex Mendez Torres

A 26-year-old New Haven resident charged with federal crimes related to the exploitation of minors he met and communicated with online.

David X. Sullivan

U.S. Attorney for Connecticut, who announced the charges against Mendez Torres.

P.J. O'Brien

Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI, who assisted in the investigation.

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What they’re saying

“We must remain vigilant in protecting our children from online predators who seek to exploit their vulnerabilities.”

— David X. Sullivan, U.S. Attorney for Connecticut

What’s next

The judge will decide on Mendez Torres' bail status at a hearing next week.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for increased education and awareness around online safety for children, as well as the importance of swift action by law enforcement to identify and apprehend those who seek to exploit minors through digital platforms.