Former airman convicted in sting operation; took performance-enhancing pills to meet minor: DOJ

TAMPA, Fla. (CBS12) – A federal jury in Tampa has convicted a former U.S. airman of attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said Monday that Jonathan Kuykendall, 39, faces 10 years to life in prison following a guilty trial in June 2022.

According to evidence presented at trial, Kuykendall was a member of the U.S. Air Force stationed at MacDill Air Force Base. While stationed at the base, Kuykendall began texting a 14-year-old girl named “Ms. Glitter.” The teen told Kuykendall her age and that she lived on the base with her single mother.

In reality, “Miss Glitter” was actually an undercover federal agent leading an operation to combat cybercrimes against children.

The DOJ said that within two weeks, Kuykendall presented explicit sexual material to the agent.

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On June 24, 2022, according to court records, when Kuykendall thought the “victim’s” mother was not home, he agreed to come to the Air Force Base home. The DOJ said that after taking several male enhancement pills, Kuykendall approached the back door of the home.

However, instead of the teenager he imagined, Kuykendall encountered the officer and was arrested at the scene.

The case was investigated by the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Detachment 340 at MacDill Air Force Base, the 6th Security Forces Squadron at MacDill Air Force Base and by Homeland Security in Tampa.

Kuykendall’s sentencing is scheduled for September 19.