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Child Predator Sentenced to 190 Years in Prison
SANTA ANA, California – A former school teacher who traveled to the Philippines to engage in sex with two girls and produce videos of the abuse has been sentenced to 190 years in federal prison.
Robert Ruben Ornelas, 66, of Santa Ana, was found guilty in November of seven counts, including two counts of engaging in sexual conduct in a foreign place, three counts of producing child pornography, and two counts of possessing child pornography.
During the six-day trial, evidence showed that Ornelas traveled to the Philippines on multiple occasions, where he sexually assaulted two girls as young as approximately eight. He took videos of the molestation and brought the images with him when he returned to the U.S.
The two victims traveled to the United States to testify during the trial and made statements at the sentencing hearing. One of the victims said, “Why did I meet this person? He destroyed my dreams.”
U.S. Attorney Eileen M. Decker said, “Today’s sentence ensures life imprisonment for this predator whose history of abusing minors began a half-century ago.”
The investigation into Ornelas began in 2013 when federal authorities received a tip that he possessed a large quantity of child pornography. Investigators found images, videos, and information on Ornelas’ computer and digital media during the execution of a search warrant.
Ornelas’ history of sexually abusing minors extended back to the 1960s, according to sentencing papers filed with the court.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sandy N. Leal and Anne C. Gannon of the Santa Ana Branch Office.
HSI Special Agent Joseph Macias said, “This sentence should serve as a powerful deterrent to child predators who mistakenly believe the internet and a plane ticket will enable them to indulge their perverse desires with impunity.”
FBI Assistant Director Deirdre Fike said, “Defendant Ornelas took advantage of impoverished children in a foreign country, away from the scrutiny of the United States, where his past involved abusing children.”
Ornelas’ victims demonstrated tremendous bravery by traveling to a foreign country to testify about the crimes perpetrated against them, Fike added.
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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