Santa Monica man charged in child exploitation scheme; accused of ’grooming teen to be sex slave’

A Santa Monica man who authorities say posed as a fitness professional on social media is facing federal charges in connection with an alleged online child exploitation scheme, authorities said. According to the FBI, John Douglas Burch, 54, has been charged with traveling to engage in illicit sexual conduct (under 18) and enticement of a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct and prostitution. [Ads /] The scheme started in Los Angeles, according to the FBI, and Burch allegedly victimized young girls in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and other states. READ MORE: