A former Comstock Park man who coerced an 11-year-old girl to provide nude images via the internet was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison.
Christian VanderVeen, 25, of Baldwin, was sentenced Wednesday, December 10, by U.S. District Judge Jane Beckering.
“Judge Beckering’s sentence today sends a clear message to anyone who is thinking of preying on our kids—just don’t do it. If you do, we will find you, and the consequences will be severe,” U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey said in a statement.
“Defendant’s conduct is abhorrent and inexcusable,” Assistant US Attorney Doaa Al-Howaishy wrote in court records.
According to court documents, the girl’s mother told an investigator that VanderVeen was “a monster that took my child’s innocence.” Her daughter was “traumatized … to the point where she now is not a normal child.”
The prosecutor also provided a message VanderVeen made to the victim’s friend in an attempt to obtain sexually explicit images of her.
In court documents, prosecutors revealed a communication VanderVeen sent:
“Hey, please listen and don’t try to do anything!! I am a hacker and know exactly where you reside… If you listen to me, everything will be well. Go inside your bathroom and send some naked photos, and I will let you go without any consequences. If you do not listen, I promise to come after you, even if you live across from your friend. ” If you listen, everything will be fine.”
He forwarded the first girl’s photo to her friend and wrote to the second victim, “Show me yours now,” according to court records.
VanderVeen previously admitted to sexual exploitation of a child. The charge entails a sentence of 15 to 30 years in prison.
The mother of the first girl called authorities on December 21, 2024, after her daughter received numerous Facebook Messenger communications from VanderVeen, a former neighbor, according to state police detective Sgt. Dillard Hayes, who is attached to an FBI task force.
VanderVeen requested that the girl unblock him on Snapchat. Her mother took control of the phone, unblocking VanderVeen.
He frequently requested “pics,” according to court records.
He also sent a nude image of himself. Throughout the chat, he admitted that the girl was under the age of 13.
VanderVeen’s defense attorney emphasized his contrition and a letter of apology.
VanderVeen also provided eight letters of support for the judge to consider, according to Sean Tilton, a federal public defender, in a sentencing memo.
“Mr. VanderVeen apologizes to the victims of this offense. At the time of the offense, Mr. VanderVeen did not consider the harm that his actions would cause. He has now had time to reflect on the offense and is sorry for his behavior and understands its consequences.”
VanderVeen has a history of providing care for family members and strangers. He made a wheelchair ramp for his grandmother and cared for her while she was being treated for cancer. As a child, he fed a homeless man and convinced his father to buy him a mattress and sleeping bag.
He has worked since high school to help support his enormous family.
His lawyers stated that he had no previous criminal record.
In a two-page handwritten letter, VanderVeen expressed his longing for his family. He has a brother who needs his assistance, he stated. VanderVeen said he intended to seek counseling.
“I admit my actions were wrong, but I assure you that I am not a nasty person or a threat to others. … I simply made a terrible mistake and will never do it again, as I learned from it.”
VanderVeen’s prison sentence will be followed by five years of supervised release.
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