ST. PAUL, Minn. — A San Antonio man was sentenced to more than 21 years in prison for blackmailing an 11-year-old Minnesota girl into sending sexual images of herself.

Michael Salas, 52, received a 256-month sentence for his role in the production and attempted production of child pornography. He pleaded guilty on February 11.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and law enforcement received anonymous information in March 2025 that an 11-year-old girl was being blackmailed over social media into sending sexual photographs of herself. The internet account was traced back to Salas, who was 51 at the time and living in San Antonio.

On or about March 9, 2025, the girl sent a video to Salas after he pressured her. After receiving that video, Salas still requested more explicit material from the victim.

U.S. District Judge Eric C. Tostrud described the offense as “depraved, cruel, and contemptable” during the hearing. He noted that the consequences to the victim may be “life long, life altering, and severe.”

“No sentence can fully heal the harm that this defendant has done to this young girl and her family, but it will hold this repeat and dangerous sex offender accountable for his actions,” U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen said.

FBI Minneapolis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson said Salas engaged in a months-long campaign to sexually exploit the child from his home in San Antonio. “When caught, he attempted to take his own life,” Dotson said. “Thankfully, the FBI Special Agents who arrested him were successful in their lifesaving efforts.”

Plymouth Police Chief and Public Safety Director Erik Fadden said the sentencing reflects the strength of collaboration between local officers and federal partners. “By combining resources, expertise, and a shared commitment to public safety, we were able to bring this case forward effectively and ensure accountability,” Fadden said.

The FBI, New Hope Police Department and Plymouth Police Department investigated the case with assistance from other law enforcement partners.