SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Aug. 2, 2025 (Gephardt Daily) — A U.S. Navy service member has been indicted on multiple federal crimes after he allegedly manipulated a minor victim in Utah over social media for nearly a year and exchanged sexually explicit photos and videos of her.
Bryce Lucas Stimka, 24, currently stationed in Augusta, Georgia, was arrested Wednesday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Utah said Friday..
According to court documents, between July 17, 2024 and March 30, 2025, Stimka allegedly began communicating with a 14-year-old girl he met and began manipulating her on social media, prosecutors said.
“Over the course of their communication, more than 15,000 texts were exchanged between Stimka and the minor victim discussing various sex acts, the victim’s age, and their potential relationship.
“Additionally, sexually explicit images and videos of the victim were exchanged.”
The case is being investigated by an officer with the West Valley City Police Department assigned to the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. Special assistance was provided by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and the FBI Atlanta Field Office, Augusta Resident Agency.
The social media account was linked to Stimka by subscriber information (including IP addresses) matching Stimka, and photos of himself in his social media account.
Stimka is charged with production of child pornography, coercion and enticement for illegal sexual activity, and receipt of child pornography. His initial appearance in Utah has yet to be scheduled.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.
