ST. LOUIS - A man illegally residing in the United States admitted in federal court Monday to sexually abusing and engaging in inappropriate conversations with a minor.

Court records say Giovanni Falcon, 41, pleaded guilty to transferring obscene material to a minor, as well as coercion and enticement of a minor. Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Missouri said Falcon sending explicit messages to a 15-year-old girl via Instagram between Jan. 1, 2024 and Aug. 12, 2024.

Falcon and the victim also engaged in sexual activity on multiple occasions, prosecutors said.

The victim’s father eventually discovered the disturbing Instagram messages, prompting him to contact police. Falcon was arrested by St. Ann Police and confessed to sexually abusing the minor.

Prosecutors are recommending 216 months in prison for Falcon, who will be sentenced on Jan. 27, 2026. Falcon is a Mexican national. Because he is not in the country legally, officials say they plan to deport Falcon when he is released from prison.