FRESNO, Calif. – In a shocking case of child exploitation, Anthony Rodriguez, aka Anthony Rito Lara, 34, of Modesto, California, pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor.
According to court documents, in September and October 2020, Rodriguez used a cellphone to create approximately 49 videos and 51 images of a child under 12 years old engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Rodriguez distributed some of these videos over the internet, including one video in which he engages in a sex act with the child.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Modesto Police Department, with assistance provided by the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura D. Withers and Alexandre M. Dempsey are prosecuting the case.
Rodriguez is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on September 24. The court will determine the sentence, taking into account applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which consider various variables.
Rodriguez faces a minimum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each of the two counts to which he pleaded guilty.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.
Rodriguez’s case is a stark reminder of the dangers of child exploitation and the importance of protecting our children from predators. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Related Federal Cases
- Ray Anthony Waller, Child Exploitation, California 2025 · Nevada
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- Jolene Davis, Child Sexual Exploitation, California 2023 · Ohio
- Cameron Andrew Garcia, Child Exploitation, California 2024 · Texas
- Fairfield Man, Child Sex Exploitation, California 2024 · Ohio
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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