RIVERSIDE, CA – Francisco Javier Soledad, 24, of Eastvale, is facing a barrage of federal charges after a grand jury indictment revealed a disturbing pattern of online exploitation. Soledad allegedly preyed on six boys nationwide, coercing them into sending sexually explicit videos over several months in 2016. The indictment details a calculated scheme to groom and manipulate vulnerable minors.
The 17-count indictment accuses Soledad of six counts of producing child pornography, six counts of using the internet to induce a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity, two counts of advertising child pornography, two counts of distributing child pornography, and one count of possessing child pornography on an iPhone. He was initially arrested on March 9 by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents following a criminal complaint alleging production of child pornography involving a 13-year-old victim.
Investigators say Soledad targeted boys between the ages of 12 and 15, connecting with them on social media platforms. He allegedly crafted false personas – sometimes posing as a young boy, other times as an adult woman – to gain their trust and manipulate them into sending compromising images and videos. The indictment alleges that when victims refused his demands, Soledad threatened to publicly share previously sent content. In at least one instance, he followed through on that threat, posting a nude image of a victim on Twitter.
A search of Soledad’s devices uncovered a vast collection of suspected child pornography, with the majority of the images appearing to be self-produced by the victims themselves. Authorities are still working to identify all the children Soledad may have victimized. The investigation highlights the dark underbelly of online interaction and the dangers faced by young people on social media.
Federal prosecutors are urging anyone with information about Soledad, or his Snapchat handle “linkinparkrocks,” to contact HSI’s toll-free tip line at 1-866-2DHS-ICE (1-866-234-7423). Soledad is currently free on a $170,000 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on April 12 in United States District Court in Los Angeles.
The charges against Soledad carry significant penalties. Producing or advertising child pornography each carry a mandatory minimum of 15 years in federal prison, with a maximum of 30 years. Enticing a minor carries a 10-year minimum and a potential life sentence. Distributing child pornography carries a 5-year minimum and a 20-year maximum, while possession carries a maximum of 10 years. An indictment is not a finding of guilt; Soledad is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Teresa K.B. Beecham.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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