A federal jury in Honolulu has convicted Ross Andrew Brown, a 44-year-old military lawyer and Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps, on charges related to attempted sexual enticement and exploitation of minors. The verdict was delivered on February 27, 2026, after a five-day trial. Brown was found guilty of two counts each of attempted sexual enticement of a minor, attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, and attempted receipt of child pornography. He is currently stationed in Hawaii.
According to evidence presented at trial, Brown communicated with undercover law enforcement agents posing as a 14-year-old girl using social media platforms Whisper and Telegram. During these conversations, he tried to persuade the fictitious girl to engage in illegal sexual activity under Hawaii law. On April 17, 2023, Brown traveled to Schofield Barracks intending to meet the supposed minor but was arrested by federal agents.
Further evidence from Brown’s phone revealed sexually explicit online communications with 38 individuals who identified themselves as girls as young as 12 years old. In one instance from February 2021, Brown requested images from someone he believed was a 15-year-old girl involving herself and another person engaged in sexual activity. He subsequently received images that were described as depicting the minor. Other incidents included receiving explicit images from people claiming to be underage girls and attempting to arrange meetings for sex during work travel layovers.
United States Attorney Ken Sorenson stated: “The jury’s conviction of Brown sends a strong message that those who use social media and the internet to sexually exploit children will face swift justice in Hawaii. We remain committed to charging, trying, and convicting those who seek to victimize our keiki with their repulsive conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “Hunting down and bringing to justice child predators like Brown remains one of our highest law enforcement priorities.”
Special Agent in Charge Ruben Santiago of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division emphasized accountability within the military: “It is a profound breach of trust to both our military community and the public we serve, when a senior military officer commits crimes that exploit the vulnerable,” said Special Agent in Charge Ruben Santiago, Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Pacific Field Office. “This investigation makes it clear that no rank, position, or title places anyone above the law and I am exceptionally proud of our Special Agents whose tireless, meticulous work led to this offender’s conviction. Army CID remains unwavering in our commitment to protect our Soldiers, Families, and our communities; we will relentlessly pursue accountability, regardless of status or position.”
Special Agent Eric Little from Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) Detachment 601 noted his team’s role: “AFOSI Det. 601 was honored to lead this investigation working with partnered agencies across Oahu. AFOSI agents spanning several units relentlessly pursued the truth and led intricate investigative activities gleaning evidence that led to the offender’s conviction,” said Special Agent Eric Little, commander of Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) Det. 601. “AFOSI Det. 601 remains vigilant and ready to proactively protect our Oahu community.”
The case was investigated by multiple agencies including the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division and Air Force Office of Special Investigations with assistance from Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Nolan prosecuted the case.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation through collaboration among federal, state, and local resources for identifying offenders and rescuing victims—for more information see https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Brown is scheduled for sentencing on June 23, 2026; he remains detained pending further hearings.
