A man has been convicted of stalking and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old Lubbock girl.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Chad E. Meacham, announced that Thomas John Boukamp, 22, faced 16 charges, including 10 counts of production and attempted production of child pornography, two counts of receipt of child pornography, one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, one count of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual conduct, one count of enticement of a minor, and one count of cyber stalking.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that showed Boukamp met the child on Discord, an instant messaging platform. The child, identified only as Jane Doe in court records, was only 13 when Boukamp met her on the platform. Prosecutors said Boukamp and the child exchanged several messages in which he threatened to hurt the child’s family if she told anyone about their relationship.
Prosecutors revealed that Boukamp later transported the girl to his Michigan home when she was 14 years old and sexually assaulted her. Prosecutors added that Boukamp forcibly removed the victim’s braces with pliers, hit her, and strangled her.
According to Meacham, the defendant argued in court that his relationship with the child had been consensual. However, the child testified in court that Boukamp’s advances were unwelcome.
“By law, 14-year-olds simply cannot consent to sexual contact with adults. We are immensely proud of this child and hope this verdict brings some solace to her and her family,” said Meacham.
Meacham added that the girl testified in court and described the horrific abuse she suffered at the defendant’s hands. The child’s father also testified in court that she took her baby blanket with her when she ran away to Michigan.
The jury found Boukamp guilty of all 16 charges after just one hour of deliberation.
“This defendant displayed reprehensible behavior, which was countered by the bravery of the victim that so courageously testified against him,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. DeSarno. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to do everything in our power to seek justice for victims and their families, hold perpetrators accountable, and protect others from harm.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Detroit and Dallas Field Offices worked with the Lubbock Police Department, the Antrim County Sheriff’s Office, and the Michigan State Police to investigate the case against Boukamp, who now faces up to life without parole in federal prison.
U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix presided over the trial while Assistant U.S. Attorneys Callie Woolam and Jeff Haag prosecuted the case.
Authorities did not reveal the date for Boukamp’s sentencing hearing.