In a significant legal victory, a federal jury has found Salvador Salas Jr., a resident of Casper, Wyoming, guilty on six counts of child pornography. The verdict was handed down after a three-day trial before Chief United States District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl. The charges against Salas include one count of possession of child pornography and five counts of production of child pornography. The case involved the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl who had been left in Salas’s care. Law enforcement officials discovered explicit images and videos of the assault on Salas’s electronic devices. The sentencing is scheduled for April 14, 2023.
Case Background
Salvador Salas Jr. found guilty on six counts of child pornography
Trial details and sentencing date
In a recent federal trial, Salvador Salas Jr., a 32-year-old resident of Casper, Wyoming, was found guilty on six counts of child pornography. The trial, presided over by Chief United States District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl, lasted three days from January 23 to January 25, 2023. Salas’s sentencing has been scheduled for April 14, 2023.
Incident Details
Salas’s relationship with the victim
Evidence uncovered during police investigation
Graphic content of the child pornography
According to court documents and evidence presented during the trial, Salvador Salas Jr. was a longtime family friend of the victim, a 13-year-old girl. The victim’s mother had entrusted Salas with babysitting her daughter. However, while in Salas’s care, the victim’s mother became concerned when she noticed a sudden change in her daughter’s behavior.
When the mother called to check in on her daughter, Salas claimed that the girl had developed an allergic reaction and he had administered allergy medication. In the early morning hours, Salas sent the victim home in an Uber. Upon her return, the victim displayed obvious signs of illicit substance intoxication and had burns on her lips.
Concerned for her daughter’s well-being, the victim’s mother immediately took her to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment. The medical examination revealed that the victim had been sexually assaulted. The mother promptly reported the incident to the police, informing them that her daughter had been with Salas at his home.
The Casper Police Department subsequently executed a search warrant at Salas’s residence, uncovering methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, cocaine, and buprenorphine. During the search, officers developed probable cause to believe that Salas had recorded sexually explicit images of the minor victim. Consequently, a second search warrant was obtained, and law enforcement seized Salas’s electronic devices.
Upon review by the Wyoming Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), the devices were found to contain child pornography, which had been downloaded from the internet, on Salas’s laptop and external hard drive. The child pornography discovered depicted graphic sexual abuse of prepubescent children.
Additionally, the ICAC Task Force discovered further incriminating evidence on Salas’s cellphone, including video recordings and images of Salas sexually abusing the minor victim. Disturbingly, the accompanying audio captured Salas repeatedly referring to the victim’s age of 13.
Further forensic analysis performed by the Wyoming State Crime Laboratory confirmed the presence of Salas’s DNA and semen on the victim’s underwear. During questioning by law enforcement, Salas admitted to engaging in sexual acts with the minor victim and recording them using his cellphone.
Law Enforcement Agencies Involved
Homeland Security Investigations
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation
Casper Police Department
The successful investigation and subsequent prosecution of Salvador Salas Jr. involved multiple law enforcement agencies. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Casper Police Department collaborated to uncover evidence, apprehend the offender, and ensure justice was served.
Prosecution Details
Assistant United States Attorneys involved
Case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood initiative
Assistant United States Attorneys Christyne M. Martens and Stephanie I. Sprecher played vital roles in the prosecution of Salvador Salas Jr. Their dedication to pursuing justice and ensuring the safety of children involved in cases of child sexual exploitation and abuse was instrumental to the successful outcome of this trial.
This case was brought to trial as part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a nationwide effort launched by the Department of Justice in 2006. The aim of Project Safe Childhood is to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Through collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies, the initiative focuses on the identification, rescue, and prosecution of individuals who exploit children online.
About Project Safe Childhood
Background and purpose
Efforts to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse
Resources and information
Project Safe Childhood was established by the Department of Justice to address the alarming rise in child sexual exploitation and abuse facilitated by advancements in technology. The initiative aims to protect children from predators who exploit their vulnerability and innocence, particularly within the realm of the internet.
Through partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies, Project Safe Childhood coordinates efforts to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals involved in child exploitation. It also focuses on victim identification and rescue, providing support and resources to aid in their recovery.
The initiative recognizes the crucial role of education and public awareness in the prevention of child sexual exploitation. Consequently, Project Safe Childhood offers a wealth of resources and information to help raise awareness, educate the public, and empower communities to combat this horrific crime.
Contact Information
Lori Hogan – United States Attorney Spokesman
Updated case information
For additional information regarding the case of Salvador Salas Jr. or any related inquiries, please contact Lori Hogan, the spokesperson for the United States Attorney’s Office. Lori Hogan can be reached at the following contact information:
- Office: 307-772-2124
- Email: usawy.pio@usdoj.gov
- Twitter: @usaowy
For the most up-to-date information on the case, including any developments and sentencing details, please refer to the official website of the United States Attorney’s Office.
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Other activities in the United States Attorney’s Office
Contact information for District of Wyoming
The United States Attorney’s Office in the District of Wyoming is actively involved in various other initiatives and cases aimed at upholding justice and safeguarding the well-being of the community. To stay informed about the office’s activities or to access additional resources, please visit their official website.
For specific inquiries or assistance related to the District of Wyoming, contact information for respective offices can also be found on the website.
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