Canadian Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Attempting to Meet Minor for Sex

Tommy Varesh traveled from Toronto to Virginia to meet who he thought was a 15-year-old girl, but was actually an undercover officer.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A 54-year-old Canadian man named Tommy Varesh was sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. Varesh had contacted who he believed was a 15-year-old girl in the Washington, D.C. area, but was actually an undercover law enforcement officer, and traveled from Toronto to Virginia to meet the minor for sex. When he was arrested, Varesh was carrying black lingerie and emergency contraception.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the exploitation of minors through online platforms, as well as the serious consequences faced by those who attempt to engage in such illegal activities. It also underscores the importance of public awareness and education around online safety for children and teens.

The details

According to court documents, on May 9, 2025, Varesh used an online discussion platform to contact who he believed was a 15-year-old girl in the Washington, D.C. area. Varesh indicated he was from New York and willing to travel to meet the minor for sex. He asked if she used birth control and said he would buy emergency contraception. Varesh also sent graphic sexual images of himself and persistently requested sexual images from the minor, even though she expressed reluctance. On June 16, 2025, Varesh traveled to Virginia to meet the minor for sex, but was arrested upon arrival.

  • On May 9, 2025, Varesh contacted who he believed was a 15-year-old girl online.
  • On June 16, 2025, Varesh traveled from Toronto to Virginia to meet the minor for sex.

The players

Tommy Varesh

A 54-year-old Canadian man from Toronto who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.

Fairfax County Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the case along with the FBI Washington Field Office.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Varesh to be released on bail pending his appeal.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of public awareness and education around online safety for children and teens, as well as the continued vigilance of law enforcement in protecting minors from sexual exploitation.