A Providence man has admitted to possessing hundreds of videos and images of child pornography, according to court documents.
Samuel Mendez-Garcia, 42, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to a charge of possession of child pornography.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mendez-Garcia admitted that he belonged to an online social media group that viewed and exchanged child pornography. He also admitted that he sent child pornography via Facebook Messenger.
The investigation began in late March 2018, when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received information from security personnel at Facebook that a user of their services, with an IP address in Rhode Island, uploaded child pornography.
A forensic analysis of one of Mendez-Garcia’s cell phones revealed more than 600 videos and images containing child pornography, including images involving prepubescent minors and sadistic/masochistic conduct.
Mendez-Garcia has been detained in federal custody since his arrest on August 1, 2018. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 14, 2019.
Additionally, an immigration detainer has been lodged against Mendez-Garcia by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, after it was determined that he entered the United States illegally.
Mendez-Garcia’s guilty plea is announced by United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh, and Rhode Island State Police Superintendent Colonel Ann C. Assumpico.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.
United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch acknowledges and thanks the Newport Police Department, a member of the ICAC Task Force, for their assistance in the investigation of this matter.
Key Facts
- State: Rhode Island
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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