A senior airman in the U.S. Air Force has been accused of trying to solicit sexual images from a 9-year-old girl, offering her money in exchange for the photos, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
David Ibarra, 31, who is stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, appeared in federal court on Long Island on charges related to child exploitation and coercion. The case began when Ibarra allegedly posed as a 13-year-old boy named “Dave” in August 2024, convincing the girl to send him explicit photographs and videos.
Investigators discovered that Ibarra made 17 payments totaling $191 to the girl using Apple Pay. Ibarra first contacted her via TikTok and later asked her to connect on Roblox for further conversations. He reportedly pushed her to share more images through text messages and provided directions on how to pose for the pictures.
On August 29, 2024, Ibarra allegedly sent a message asking if they could engage in explicit activities before bed, promising payment in return. Later, he sent messages requesting that she remove her clothing and show more of herself.
U.S. District Court Judge John Durham decided to keep Ibarra in custody while awaiting trial, citing the seriousness of the crimes related to child sexual exploitation. Judge Durham expressed concern over Ibarra’s potential flight risk and noted the psychological harm his actions could cause to vulnerable children.
If convicted, Ibarra faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence ranging from 15 to 30 years. The judge emphasized the dangerous nature of Ibarra’s behavior, particularly as it targeted young girls, highlighting the lasting harm it could inflict on them.
