FRESNO, Calif. — Roman Rodriguez, 26, of Bakersfield, was today sentenced to 15.5 years behind bars by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston for the receipt and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, Rodriguez, between Feb. 18 and Feb. 22, 2024, used an iPhone to collect over 600 images depicting the exploitation of prepubescent children and at least one toddler in sexually explicit acts.
This case is a stark reminder of the digital crimes committed against our youth. The investigation was a collaborative effort between Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Secret Service, the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Bakersfield Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany M. Gunter led the prosecution. Rodriguez’s sentence comes as part of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative since 2006 dedicated to combating child sexual exploitation and abuse.
The program identifies and rescues victims while apprehending and prosecuting predators like Rodriguez. For more information on Project Safe Childhood, visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the ‘resources’ tab for internet-safety education.
Rodriguez’s conviction sends a chilling message to those who prey on innocent children. His sentence underscores the severity of such crimes and the dedication of law enforcement to protect our most vulnerable citizens.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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