Vienna Man Sentenced for Sex Trafficking of Child

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A 45-year-old Vienna man, Michael James Inofuentes, was sentenced to 18 years and 4 months in prison for sex trafficking a 15-year-old Colombian girl and engaging in illicit sexual conduct with her in Colombia. Inofuentes was caught after U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations found messages on his cellphone showing he had solicited the minor victim for commercial sex on at least three occasions in 2024.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing problem of sex trafficking, particularly of minors, and the efforts by law enforcement to crack down on these heinous crimes. It also raises concerns about the vulnerability of children in developing countries to exploitation by foreign travelers.

The details

Court records and evidence showed that Inofuentes, who has residences in Virginia and Colombia, flew into Miami International Airport on a return flight from Colombia. He was flagged for secondary inspection due to suspicious payments made to an individual suspected of involvement in child sex trafficking in Colombia. During the inspection, agents found messages between Inofuentes and the 15-year-old Colombian girl showing he had solicited her for commercial sex. Inofuentes initially denied having sex with the victim but later admitted to having a sexual relationship with her and that the victim's mother was a minor when he impregnated her.

• In 2024, Inofuentes solicited and paid the 15-year-old victim for sex on at least three occasions in Colombia.
• On November 4, 2024, Inofuentes was stopped while attempting to board a flight at Dulles International Airport bound for Colombia, where he admitted to offering the victim money for sex at a hotel.

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Michael James Inofuentes to be released on bail pending his appeal.