SAN JOSE, CA — A San Jose middle school assistant principal was charged Wednesday with attempted sex trafficking of a minor and attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, federal prosecutors said.
Ruben Guzman, 32, of San Jose, made his initial appearance in federal court Wednesday and was arraigned on the charges.
According to statements made in court, Guzman was working as an assistant middle school principal when he attempted to engage in a commercial sex act with someone he believed was younger than 14, according to the indictment.
The indictment also claims Guzman attempted to engage in sexual activity with someone he believed was younger than 18.
Guzman was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Edward J. Davila.
If convicted, Guzman faces a maximum sentence of life in prison on both counts. The attempted sex trafficking charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, while the attempted coercion and enticement charge carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years, prosecutors said.
Guzman also faces a potential fine of up to $250,000 and forfeiture.
The case was investigated by the FBI and San Jose Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neal C. Hong is prosecuting the case.
An indictment contains accusations only, and Guzman is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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