Charge: Seattle man transported young teen across state lines for sex

SEATTLE - A 32-year-old Seattle man has been charged in federal court with transporting a 13-year-old across state lines for sex, and investigators are trying to determine whether the man may have had sexual contact with other minors.

Gary Stensland of Seattle was arrested Wednesday and made his initial court appearance in U.S. District Court in Seattle, federal prosecutors say.

According to court documents, Stensland traveled to Portland, Ore., in September 2018 to meet a 13-year-old he had contacted via an internet app.

Stensland returned to Seattle with the minor and allegedly paid the child for sex. Stensland then drove the youth back to Portland.

The victim just recently disclosed the abuse, prompting authorities to execute a search warrant at Stensland's home and seize his electronic devices.

Stensland is now charged with one count of transporting a minor with intent to engage in prostitution or criminal sexual activity. If found guilty, he faces a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison.

Authorities continue to investigate other sexual contact Stensland may have had with minors.The case is being investigated by the FBI in conjunction with the Internet Crimes against Children Task Force.