Oregon man used Snapchat, Instagram to sexually exploit minors

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A Eugene man will spend 24 years in prison after using social media sites such as Snapchat and Instagram to contact and sexually exploit children across the country.

Vincent Alan Elder, 32, was sentenced for coercing and sexually exploiting three children in Oregon, New York, and Florida between 2022 and 2023, according to the Oregon U.S. District Court.

According to the Oregon U.S. District Court, Elder encouraged his victims in Florida and New York to take nude photos of themselves and send them to him with online payments. He also gave vape pens, food, and bags of cash to the child in Oregon.

When the child in New York tried to cut contact with Elder, he threatened sextortion by telling the victim’s mother or even involving their younger sibling.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) learned of the allegations in November 2023 and executed search warrants to check Elder’s person, devices, and motel room. He was arrested in December 2023. 

“A search of his devices showed chats with some of the minor victims, the Oregon victim’s personal information, and nude images of the Florida victim,” officials said.

On July 29, 2025, Elder pleaded guilty to two counts of using a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct and one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.

“I am thankful for the brave victims who came forward, and I am grateful to the law enforcement agencies who helped bring this dangerous predator to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “We will continue to seek significant prison sentences for anyone who targets our communities’ children.”

In addition to his prison sentence, Elder will also spend a lifetime of supervised release and pay $10,000 in restitution to each of the three victims.