UPDATE: A Provo man, Josue Daniel McBride, aged 32, has been charged with a staggering 12 felonies after allegedly transmitting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to an undercover police officer posing as an adult male with a teenage nephew. The urgent developments were confirmed by the Lehi Police Department, who arrested McBride on November 10, 2025, and he is currently being held without bail in the Utah County Jail.
McBride faces serious charges, including two counts of enticing a minor and four counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, both classified as first-degree felonies. Additionally, he is charged with five counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor as a second-degree felony and distributing pornographic material, a third-degree felony.
The disturbing case began on November 5, 2025, when the undercover officer created a post on the “utahgayhookup” forum on Reddit, presenting himself as a male adult with a 13-year-old nephew. The officer utilized emojis recognized by law enforcement to indicate sexual attraction to minors. Shortly after, McBride sent a direct message to the officer, leading to a series of explicit conversations that further escalated.
Court documents reveal that McBride expressed an alarming interest in the officer’s “nephew,” asking for explicit photos and ultimately sending videos featuring naked children, including one child reportedly as young as 10 years old being sexually assaulted. The communications escalated to the point where McBride suggested meeting up to engage in sexual acts with the officer’s nephew.
The undercover officer ceased communication but managed to identify McBride’s workplace. Following this, detectives apprehended him as he left work on November 10. McBride’s actions have raised critical concerns about child safety and the pervasive issue of online exploitation.
Authorities emphasize the seriousness of these allegations, reminding the public that all arrested individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case continues to develop, and law enforcement urges anyone with information related to child sexual abuse material to report it immediately.
The shocking nature of these charges underscores the urgent need for vigilance and action against the exploitation of minors in our communities. As the investigation unfolds, officials are expected to provide further updates on McBride’s case and additional measures being taken to combat online child exploitation.
For more information or to report suspicious activity, contact the ICAC Tip Line at (801) 281-1211 or your local law enforcement agency.
