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Ernesto Rodriguez Hernandez, 23, Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charges in Virginia
A Newport News man has admitted to producing child pornography, putting the lives of two minor females at risk. Ernesto Rodriguez Hernandez, 23, of Newport News, Va. pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child pornography in federal court.
According to court documents, Hernandez used Facebook Messenger to exchange messages with Jane Doe 1 and received images of child pornography. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Hernandez’s residence on December 2, 2016, and seized his computers and media storage items. A forensic examination revealed additional videos and images of child pornography, including those involving Jane Doe 2.
Hernandez faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison on each count. His sentencing is scheduled for July 12. A federal district court judge will determine the final sentence, taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Dana J. Boente and FBI’s Norfolk Field Office Special Agent in Charge Martin Culbreth announced the plea after U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson accepted it. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan M. Cowles and Lisa R. McKeel are prosecuting the case.
The investigation was part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children online and identify and rescue victims.
Hernandez’s case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of child pornography and the importance of protecting our children from exploitation. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates on Hernandez’s sentencing.
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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