Rigoberto Rios Gallardo, Production of Child Sexual Abuse Material, Florida 2024

Tampa, Florida – In a shocking case of child exploitation, a California man has been charged with producing child sexual abuse material and coercing a minor to engage in sexual activity.

Rigoberto Rios Gallardo, 31, of Los Angeles, California, was indicted on three counts of production of child sexual abuse material and one count of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity.

According to the indictment, on three dates in August and September 2024, Rios Gallardo used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction. Between August and December 2024, Rios Gallardo knowingly persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor to engage in sexual activity.

“If convicted on all counts, Rios Gallardo faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison,” said Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney. “An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.”

The case was investigated by the FBI and the North Port Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

According to the FBI, child sex abuse material is a growing concern in the United States, with thousands of cases reported each year. “We will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible for these heinous crimes to justice,” said the FBI.

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