Cesar Mauricio Estrada-Davila, of Rosemead, was charged with 109 felony and 42 misdemeanor counts including extortion, possession and distribution of child pornography and lewd acts upon a child, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.
Prosecutors allege that between January and April, Estrada befriended young girls through social media, telling them he was a modeling agent. Estrada allegedly asked the girls to send him pictures in their underwear before threatening to release those photos if the alleged victims did not send him nude pictures.
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Authorities launched an investigation that lasted several months after one alleged victim notified her parents, who contacted police.
According to prosecutors, Estrada-Davila victimized at least 21 girls between the ages of 12 and 17.
During his arraignment hearing, he entered a plea of not guilty and his bail was set at more than $3 million.
If convicted as charged, Estrada faces several life sentences in state prison.