Broward teacher charged with exploiting children as young as 5

A Broward County teacher has been charged with federal offenses related to the alleged sexual exploitation of children as young as 5 years old, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida.

Federal prosecutors said Evan Michael Sands, 26, of Tamarac, was arraigned and ordered detained pending trial.

According to court records, Sands allegedly used online communications to engage in conversations with minors and solicit child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in exchange for in-game currency associated with a popular children's video game.

Prosecutors also allege that Sands produced and transmitted videos of himself engaging in sexually explicit conduct. A search warrant executed during the investigation allegedly revealed that he distributed child sexual abuse material to others through an online communication platform.

Sands has been charged with enticement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity, as well as possession and distribution of child pornography. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison on the enticement charge and up to 20 years in prison on each of the possession and distribution charges, according to prosecutors.

U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida, Acting Special Agent in Charge Jose R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations in Miami, and Broward Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony announced the charges.

The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations in Fort Lauderdale and the Broward Sheriff's Office.

An indictment or criminal complaint contains allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.