URGENT UPDATE: A Provo man is facing 12 felony charges after allegedly attempting to engage with an undercover officer posing as an adult male with a teenage nephew. Josue Daniel McBride, 32November 10, 2025, by the Lehi Police Department, and is currently being held without bail in the Utah County Jail.
Authorities report that McBride has been charged with two counts of enticing a minor, four counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, and five additional counts of aggravated sexual exploitation, along with distributing pornographic material. These serious allegations highlight the urgent need for vigilance against child exploitation.
The investigation began on or about November 5, 2025, when an undercover officer created a post on the “utahgayhookup” forum on Reddit, posing as an adult man with a 13-year-old nephew. Utilizing emojis that indicate sexual attraction to children, the officer received a direct message from McBride, who also referenced child sexual abuse material using similar emojis.
Court documents reveal that McBride engaged in a disturbing conversation with the undercover officer over a different messaging platform, expressing interest in “early teens” and requesting photos of the officer’s nephew. McBride reportedly offered to send videos of boys in exchange and suggested visiting the officer’s home for sexual activities.
The situation escalated when McBride allegedly sent videos depicting child sexual exploitation, including a naked child aged between 10 and 12 years old and another aged between 14 and 16 years old. McBride’s repeated requests for nude photos further compounded the gravity of the case.
Following the investigation, detectives monitored McBride until he exited his workplace, where he was taken into custody. The charges against him are serious, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Community members are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspected child exploitation to local law enforcement or the ICAC Tip Line at (801) 281-1211. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the continuing threat of child sexual abuse and the importance of immediate reporting.
As this case develops, authorities will likely increase their efforts to address and prevent such heinous acts. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.
