A Farmington man was sentenced Monday to 10 years in federal prison for his role in a child sex sting – the same sting that resulted in probation for five other men arrested for similar conduct.
The difference? He traveled across state lines.
It is for that detail that Jason Yazzie Chee, 40, was charged in federal court rather than state court. And under federal sentencing guidelines, Chee faced 12½ to 15½ years in prison, which was reduced to 10 years because of a motion filed by his public defender to reduce sentencing parameters.
Chee pleaded guilty Dec. 5 to traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
In a statement to the court, Chee said he was “humiliated, embarrassed and ashamed” by his decision to call an escort. He said he wanted companionship, but lacked confidence and self-esteem to start a relationship.
Chee said he’s a recovering alcoholic, and he didn’t want to relapse by going to bars to meet women. He made little mention of soliciting minors, saying he thought he was answering an ad for an adult escort.
“I’m very remorseful of what I’ve put myself in,” he said.
Of all six men arrested during the three-day sting, Chee appears to have gone the furthest in carrying out the illegal acts before being arrested.
According to court documents, Chee responded to an internet ad posted on Backpage.com thinking it was a 19-year-old escort. The ad was titled, “pretty young blossoms ☺ ☺ ☺ - 19.”
“Hey guys! Krissy here!!! Looking for very open minded no b.s. gentlemen for some fun in Durango!!!! We know how to please!!!! Text for details,” the ad reads.
Once callers responded by text message, undercover agents offered to let the men have sex with one or two girls, ages 11 and 14.
The men went to varying lengths to carry out the illicit behavior. Some men agreed to meet the “mother” in a parking lot but got cold feet and drove away. Others exchanged money believing they were going to have sex with a minor.
Chee paid $225 believing he was going to have sex with both girls. He was arrested as he walked toward the motel, where the “girls” were supposedly waiting.
Five men were charged in state court, where they received deferred felonies and probation. But Chee was charged in federal court because he crossed a state line to commit the crime.
His defense lawyer, Robert Pepin, said Farmington is in the same general region, and it shouldn’t make a difference if he drove 50 miles from Cortez or 50 miles from Farmington.
Chee thought he was answering an ad for an adult escort and was lured into something more sinister, Pepin said. He will be forever thankful real children weren’t victimized, Pepin said.
A psychologist said Chee doesn’t seem to be attracted to children, and he would likely comply with supervised release. Pepin asked Sr. Judge Robert E. Blackburn to give Chee credit for time served and release him.
But Assistant U.S. Attorney James Candelaria said Chee was trolling websites for escort services. He drove 50 miles from Farmington, which isn’t different than 50 miles from Cortez, but with every mile, he had a chance to reconsider his actions, Candelaria said.
Chee was given the option of having sex with one or both girls, and Chee paid to have sex with both girls, Candelaria said. While he may have thought he was answering an ad for a 19-year-old woman, the change in circumstances didn’t deter him from driving to Durango to engage in illicit conduct, Candelaria said.
“I still hear a lot of denial, which concerns the government,” Candelaria said.
Judge Blackburn called it a “serious offense” and seemed to agree that even if Chee was trolling for a 19 year old, he ultimately settled on a sexual tryst involving 11 and 14 year olds.
“Thank goodness these victims were not real,” Blackburn said.
shane@durangoherald.com