UPDATE: A Provo man has been charged with a staggering 12 felonies following an alleged attempt to exchange child sexual abuse material (CSAM) with an undercover officer. Josue Daniel McBride, aged 32, faces serious charges including two counts of enticing a minor and multiple counts of aggravated sexual exploitation.
Authorities confirm that McBride was arrested on November 10, 2025, after an undercover investigation led by the Lehi Police Department. He is currently held without bail in the Utah County Jail. This urgent case has raised alarm regarding online child safety and exploitation.
The investigation began on November 5, when an officer posed as an adult male with a teenage nephew on the social media platform Reddit. The undercover officer’s post used specific emojis indicating sexual attraction to minors, leading to a direct message from McBride that hinted at CSAM.
Court documents reveal that the conversation escalated quickly, with McBride allegedly expressing interest in the officer’s “nephew” and asking for photos. He reportedly offered to share videos of minors in sexual situations, including one involving a child aged 10 to 12 years old.
The messages became increasingly graphic, with McBride requesting explicit photos of the undercover officer and his nephew, even suggesting they meet for sexual activities. When the undercover officer ceased communication, McBride deleted messages, potentially indicating his awareness of the criminal nature of his actions.
Detectives tracked McBride to his workplace and apprehended him after he left on November 10. He now faces severe legal consequences, including five counts of aggravated sexual exploitation as a second-degree felony, and distributing pornographic material, classified as a third-degree felony.
This case underscores the ongoing battle against child exploitation online and highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable populations. Authorities urge anyone with information related to CSAM to report it immediately to law enforcement or contact the ICAC Tip Line at (801) 281-1211.
As this story develops, communities are encouraged to stay informed and engage in discussions surrounding child safety and prevention strategies. The significant nature of these charges serves as a stark reminder of the risks present in digital spaces where children can be targeted.
For more updates on this developing story, follow our coverage closely as we provide further details from authorities and legal experts.
