Pennsylvania Man Sentenced for Exploiting Minors Through Snapchat: What NJ Families Must Know

Social Media Predators Are Targeting Minors—Even Across State Lines

A disturbing federal case highlights the increasing threat of online sexual exploitation targeting children nationwide, including in New Jersey. On August 28, 2025, Codi Vaughan, a 25-year-old man from Fairchance, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison for producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Vaughan, who had been stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base, used Snapchat and CashApp to solicit explicit images from underage girls across multiple states.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Arkansas, Vaughan contacted multiple minors between January 2022 and February 2023, offering cash in exchange for self-produced child pornography. He repeatedly used Snapchat to target underage victims in Maryland and Virginia, often offering as much as $1,000 for sexually explicit content. When investigators reviewed Vaughan’s CashApp transactions, they found multiple payments made to minors, confirming the exploitation spanned more than a year.

This case sends a chilling reminder to New Jersey parents and guardians: online predators can reach your child without ever stepping foot into the state. At Survivors of Abuse NJ, we regularly represent victims and families who are blindsided by this exact kind of digital grooming and exploitation.

New Jersey Children Are Not Immune to Online Sexual Exploitation

Social media apps like Snapchat, Instagram, and Discord allow predators to create anonymous profiles and message minors under the guise of being fellow teens. In Vaughan’s case, he used these tools to manipulate children, offer them money, and even involve their friends in the exchange of illicit material. Despite his location in Pennsylvania and military service in Arkansas, the digital nature of these crimes meant his victims could be anywhere in the country.

In New Jersey, where children are increasingly connected to digital platforms from a young age, similar exploitation cases are on the rise. At Survivors of Abuse NJ, we urge families to educate children about online dangers, monitor social media usage, and report any suspicious communications to law enforcement immediately.

Justice Is Possible for Victims—No Matter Where the Abuse Begins

While Vaughan was sentenced in Arkansas, the impact on his victims—many of them from other states—underscores the national scale of the problem. In New Jersey, survivors of similar abuse can pursue civil legal action, regardless of whether a criminal case has been brought. Victims who were groomed, exploited, or abused online may be entitled to financial compensation for their suffering, especially if an institution or employer failed to take action.

If you suspect your child has been the victim of online sexual exploitation, it’s critical to involve both law enforcement and an experienced civil attorney. Joseph L. Messa, Jr., Esq., managing attorney at Survivors of Abuse NJ, has extensive experience handling high-profile cases involving sexual abuse, child exploitation, and institutional negligence. Our firm provides confidential consultations and fights aggressively to hold perpetrators—and any enablers—fully accountable.

What New Jersey Parents Can Do Now

• Talk to your children about safe internet habits, including not sharing personal photos or engaging with unknown accounts.

• Regularly check your child’s apps and payment platforms like CashApp or Venmo.

• Be alert to signs of grooming, such as secrecy, sudden cash deposits, or interactions with older individuals online.

• Report any abuse to your local police, the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP), or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Contact Survivors of Abuse NJ for Confidential Legal Guidance

If your child has been targeted by an online predator—whether in-state or across state lines—Survivors of Abuse NJ is here to help. We provide trusted legal representation for victims of sexual abuse and exploitation, including those harmed through Snapchat, CashApp, or other digital platforms.

Call (848) 290-7929 or visit https://survivorsofabusenj.com to schedule a free, confidential consultation with Joseph L. Messa, Jr., Esq. You are not alone, and legal help is available.

Source:

https://neareport.com/2025/08/28/pennsylvania-man-sentenced-to-17-years-for-producing-child-sexual-abuse-material-in-arkansas-case/