United States Attorney Nicholas Vassallo announced that Salvador Salas, Jr., a 32-year-old resident of Casper, Wyoming, has been found guilty by a federal jury on six counts related to child pornography. The trial, which lasted three days, revealed disturbing evidence of Salas’s exploitation of a 13-year-old girl who was a family friend. According to court documents, Salas sexually assaulted the minor victim, recorded the acts on his cellphone, and possessed explicit images of child pornography. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Casper Police Department, and it was brought forth as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Salas’s sentencing has been scheduled for April 14, 2023.
Summary
SALVADOR SALAS, JR. found guilty on counts of child pornography
Salvador Salas Jr., a 32-year-old man from Casper, Wyoming, has been found guilty by a federal jury on one count of possession of child pornography and five counts of production of child pornography. The trial took place from January 23-25, 2023, and the sentencing has been scheduled for April 14, 2023.
Trial details and sentencing date
Salvador Salas Jr. was found guilty after a three-day trial before Chief United States District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl in Casper, Wyoming. The sentencing for his crimes has been set for April 14, 2023.
Background of the case
According to court documents and evidence presented during the trial, Salvador Salas Jr. was a longtime family friend who requested a 13-year-old girl to babysit in his home. It was later discovered that the girl had been sexually assaulted after returning home. The mother reported to the police that the minor victim had been with Salas at his home. The police executed a search warrant and found evidence related to drugs. During the search, there was probable cause to believe that Salas had taken sexually explicit images of the minor victim. Another search warrant was executed, leading to the seizure of Salas’s electronic devices, which contained child pornography. The victim’s underwear provided DNA evidence linking Salas to the crime.
Case Details
The involvement of Salvador Salas Jr.
Salvador Salas Jr. was involved in the case as the accused individual who committed various crimes related to child pornography. He was a longtime family friend of the minor victim and requested her to babysit in his home.
Events leading up to the discovery of the crime
The discovery of the crimes committed by Salvador Salas Jr. came about when the minor victim returned home showing signs of illicit substance intoxication and burns on her lips. Her mother sought medical treatment, and it was then discovered that the girl had been sexually assaulted. The mother reported the incident to the police, revealing that the minor victim had been with Salas at his home.
Actions taken by the victim’s mother and law enforcement
Upon discovering the signs of sexual assault, the victim’s mother immediately sought emergency medical treatment for her daughter. The mother reported the incident to the police, providing information that the minor victim had been with Salvador Salas Jr. at his home. The Casper Police Department executed a search warrant at Salas’s home for evidence of drugs and later seized his electronic devices, which contained evidence of child pornography.
Investigation
Agencies involved in the investigation
The investigation into the crimes committed by Salvador Salas Jr. involved multiple law enforcement agencies. These included Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Casper Police Department.
Recovery of evidence from Salvador Salas Jr.’s home
During the execution of a search warrant at Salvador Salas Jr.’s home, law enforcement officers recovered methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, cocaine, and buprenorphine. Additionally, probable cause was established to believe that Salas had taken sexually explicit images of the minor victim, leading to the execution of a second search warrant and the seizure of Salas’s electronic devices.
Review of electronic devices by the ICAC Task Force
The electronic devices seized from Salvador Salas Jr. were reviewed by the Wyoming Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC). They uncovered child pornography that had been downloaded from the internet on Salas’s laptop and external hard drive. The downloaded child pornography featured graphic sexual abuse of prepubescent children. The ICAC Task Force also discovered additional child pornography, including video recordings and images of Salas sexually abusing the minor victim, on Salas’s cellphone.
Evidence
Child pornography found on Salas’s laptop and external hard drive
During the investigation, law enforcement officers discovered child pornography that had been downloaded from the internet on Salvador Salas Jr.’s laptop and external hard drive. This child pornography featured graphic sexual abuse of prepubescent children.
Video recordings and images of sexual abuse on Salas’s cellphone
Further evidence of the crimes committed by Salvador Salas Jr. was found on his cellphone. The Wyoming Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force discovered video recordings and images of Salas sexually abusing the minor victim. In the audio that accompanied the videos, Salas repeatedly mentioned that the victim was 13 years old.
DNA evidence recovered from the victim’s underwear
The Wyoming State Crime Laboratory recovered DNA evidence from the victim’s underwear, which linked Salvador Salas Jr. to the sexual abuse. This DNA evidence further supported the charges against him.
Legal Proceedings
Charges against Salvador Salas Jr.
Salvador Salas Jr. faced multiple charges in relation to child pornography, including one count of possession of child pornography and five counts of production of child pornography.
Prosecution by Assistant United States Attorneys
The prosecution of Salvador Salas Jr. was carried out by Assistant United States Attorneys Christyne M. Martens and Stephanie I. Sprecher. These attorneys presented the evidence against Salas during the trial and argued for his guilt.
Inclusion of the case in Project Safe Childhood initiative
Salvador Salas Jr.’s case was included in the Project Safe Childhood initiative, which is a nationwide effort launched by the Department of Justice in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. This initiative brings together federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
Project Safe Childhood
Overview of Project Safe Childhood initiative
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. It aims to bring together federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
Objectives and resources of the initiative
The objectives of Project Safe Childhood include raising awareness about the issue of child sexual exploitation and abuse, providing resources and support for victims, and increasing the punishment for those who commit such crimes. The initiative provides training and resources for law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to effectively combat child exploitation cases.
Impact and success of Project Safe Childhood
Since its launch in 2006, Project Safe Childhood has made significant progress in combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative has led to a greater emphasis on investigating and prosecuting individuals who exploit children via the internet. It has also raised awareness about the issue among the public and provided support for victims.
Sentencing and Implications
Sentencing date set for April 14, 2023
The sentencing for Salvador Salas Jr. has been scheduled for April 14, 2023. The court will determine the penalties for his crimes, taking into consideration the severity and impact of the offenses.
Possible penalties for Salvador Salas Jr.
As Salvador Salas Jr. has been found guilty of possession and production of child pornography, he faces significant penalties for his crimes. The precise penalties will be determined during the sentencing, but they may include imprisonment, fines, and requirements for registration as a sex offender.
The importance of addressing child sexual exploitation and abuse
The case of Salvador Salas Jr. highlights the importance of addressing child sexual exploitation and abuse. It is crucial to protect children from such heinous crimes, and initiatives like Project Safe Childhood play a vital role in achieving this goal. By raising awareness, providing resources, and prosecuting offenders, society can work towards safeguarding children from exploitation.
Government Agencies Involved
Homeland Security Investigations
Homeland Security Investigations was involved in the investigation of Salvador Salas Jr.’s crimes. This agency plays a crucial role in combating various forms of criminal activities, including child exploitation and abuse.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was also involved in the investigation of Salvador Salas Jr.’s crimes. The FBI is responsible for investigating federal crimes and works closely with other law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of communities.
Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation
The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation played a crucial role in the investigation of Salvador Salas Jr.’s crimes. This division is responsible for conducting criminal investigations and providing support to local law enforcement agencies in Wyoming.
Casper Police Department
The Casper Police Department was actively involved in the investigation of Salvador Salas Jr.’s crimes. They executed search warrants, recovered evidence, and provided crucial information to support the prosecution.
Contact Information
Contact information for U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Wyoming
For further information or inquiries regarding the case of Salvador Salas Jr., please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Wyoming. They can provide updates on the case and address any questions or concerns from the public.
Media contact details for press inquiries
For media inquiries or press-related information regarding the case, please refer to the provided media contact details. These contacts will be able to assist with requests for interviews, statements, or additional information, ensuring accurate and timely reporting.
Background and Context
Project Safe Childhood and its significance
Project Safe Childhood is a significant initiative aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. It recognizes the urgent need to protect children and provide support for victims. Through this initiative, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and the public come together to address this critical issue.
Efforts to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse
Various efforts have been made to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Legislation has been enacted to strengthen laws against such offenses, and law enforcement agencies have prioritized investigation and prosecution of these crimes. Initiatives like Project Safe Childhood play a crucial role in coordinating these efforts and ensuring a comprehensive approach.
The role of law enforcement agencies
Law enforcement agencies play a crucial role in investigating and prosecuting cases of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Their collaboration, expertise, and dedication are essential for identifying and apprehending offenders, ensuring the safety of victims, and preventing future crimes. The involvement of agencies like Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Casper Police Department in the Salvador Salas Jr. case exemplifies their commitment to protecting children and seeking justice for victims.