Steve Alonso Marquez, Child Pornography, California 2023

Riverside County Man Indicted on Federal Charges of Producing Child Pornography

A federal grand jury has indicted a San Jacinto man, Steve Alonso Marquez, 31, on charges of producing child pornography for allegedly making videos while he sexually molested a 5-year-old boy.

The indictment alleges two counts of producing child pornography videos that were distributed to other people, in addition to possessing child pornography at his residence and using the Internet in an attempt to have illegal sexual conduct with a young girl.

Marquez was arrested in the Southern District of California on August 12 after he arrived at a hotel in Fallbrook, allegedly for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with the girl. He is currently being held without bond.

The child pornography charges contained in this week’s indictment stem from a search warrant executed at Marquez’s residence on August 23. At that time, FBI agents recovered digital devices that contained the alleged child pornography, which included videos Marquez is charged with making while molesting a young boy at a location investigators believe is in Hemet.

Marquez is charged with two counts of production of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and attempted enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. Each count of producing child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum penalty of 30 years. The charge of possessing child pornography carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison because the images allegedly depict children under the age of 12. The charge of attempted enticement of a minor carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum possible penalty of life without parole.

Marquez could face a sentence of at least 40 years in federal prison and could be sentenced to as much as life in federal prison if he is convicted of all four counts in the indictment. An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in court.

The case against Marquez is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Teresa K.B. Beecham.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/riverside-county-man-indicted-federal-charges-producing-child-pornography-filming