Juneau Man Indicted on Child Pornography Charges

A disturbing crime has shaken the quiet streets of Juneau, Alaska. Gilbert Valadez-Garcia, a 39-year-old Mexican citizen and resident of Juneau, has been indicted on a sole charge of distribution of child pornography.

According to court documents, Valadez-Garcia was arraigned before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Deborah M. Smith, who ordered him detained pending trial. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, along with a $250,000 fine, or both if convicted.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack S. Schmidt, who is prosecuting the case, emphasized the severity of the offense. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Trial is scheduled for June 20, 2016.

The investigation into Valadez-Garcia’s activities was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). If the public has any further information, questions, or concerns about the activities of Valadez-Garcia, they are encouraged to contact the FBI at (907) 265-8254.

This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the DOJ in May 2006 to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.