⏱ 2 min read
Gabriel Jauregui, a 36-year-old from Sioux City, Iowa, pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting a 16-year-old minor between July 15, 2024, and August 20, 2025. Jauregui, who has a prior conviction for attempting to entice a minor in 2020, admitted to filming himself engaging in sex acts with the minor and sending the videos to the victim. He also forcibly injected the minor with methamphetamine, contributing to the minor’s active addiction.
The case was investigated as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. A review of the minor’s phone revealed messages and images related to drugs and sex between Jauregui and the minor, including videos depicting sadistic and violent conduct.
Jauregui faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison and a possible maximum sentence of 50 years. He remains in custody pending sentencing, which will be set after a presentence report is prepared. The case is being prosecuted in federal court in Sioux City, with United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand presiding.
The guilty plea is a significant victory for law enforcement and the community, as it holds Jauregui accountable for his heinous crimes and ensures that he will not be able to harm any other minors. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of Project Safe Childhood and the need for continued efforts to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.
