In a deeply disturbing case, a 23-year-old man from Thurmont, Maryland, named Jose Alexander Diaz-Rodriguez has pleaded guilty to the sexual exploitation of a child. Diaz-Rodriguez broke into his neighbor’s home and took sexually explicit photographs of an eight-year-old child. His actions were discovered when the child’s mother heard a noise and found Diaz-Rodriguez in the bedroom. Upon his arrest, a search warrant at his residence uncovered over 1,000 files depicting the sexual abuse of children, including the images of the victim. As part of his guilty plea, Diaz-Rodriguez will be required to register as a sex offender and may face up to 18 years in federal prison. This case, brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, highlights the ongoing need to combat child sexual exploitation and protect vulnerable victims.
Thurmont Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Child
Overview
In a disturbing case of sexual exploitation of a child, Jose Alexander Diaz-Rodriguez, a 23-year-old man from Thurmont, pleaded guilty to charges related to breaking into his neighbor’s home and taking sexually explicit photographs of a child. The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland, Erek L. Barron, in conjunction with law enforcement agencies involved in the case.
Guilty Plea Announcement
The announcement of Diaz-Rodriguez’s guilty plea marks a significant milestone in the legal proceedings against him. The guilty plea signifies his admission of guilt and responsibility for the heinous acts he committed. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Erek L. Barron, who highlighted the severity of the charges and emphasized the commitment of law enforcement agencies to bring justice to the victims.
Incident Details
The incident took place on July 26, 2021, in Thurmont, Maryland. Diaz-Rodriguez broke into his neighbor’s home and entered the bedroom where two children, later identified as Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2, were sleeping. Diaz-Rodriguez, in a disturbing act, entered the bed of Jane Doe 1, an eight-year-old child, and proceeded to take a series of four images with the intention of creating sexually explicit content. The presence of Diaz-Rodriguez was discovered by Jane Doe 1’s mother, who heard a noise and found him on the ground next to the bed. He fled the scene but was apprehended shortly afterward by law enforcement.
Forensic Examination
As part of the investigation, Diaz-Rodriguez’s cell phone was subjected to a forensic examination. The examination revealed the presence of over 1,000 files depicting the sexual abuse of children, including the four explicit images of Jane Doe 1 that Diaz-Rodriguez had deleted prior to the police’s arrival. The forensic examination played a critical role in uncovering the extent of Diaz-Rodriguez’s involvement in child exploitation.
Distribution of Child Sex Abuse Material
Diaz-Rodriguez admitted to distributing child sex abuse material on his social media account. Specifically, he shared an image documenting the sexual abuse of a child. The distribution of such material further highlights the gravity of Diaz-Rodriguez’s actions and the concerning extent of his involvement in exploiting children.
Plea Agreement and Sentencing
Under a plea agreement reached between Diaz-Rodriguez and the government, he will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) upon his release from prison. The agreed-upon sentence for Diaz-Rodriguez is 18 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled the sentencing for November 20, 2023.
Project Safe Childhood Initiative
This case is part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, launched by the Department of Justice in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative aims to marshal federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals involved in the sexual exploitation of children. Through collaboration with law enforcement agencies and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood has made significant strides in identifying and rescuing victims and holding perpetrators accountable.
Acknowledgements
The investigating agencies involved in this case are to be recognized for their diligent efforts in uncovering and prosecuting Diaz-Rodriguez’s crimes. Their dedication to protecting children and seeking justice deserves recognition and appreciation. Additionally, the prosecution team, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joyce King, played a crucial role in ensuring a fair and just legal process.
Contact Information
For media inquiries and further information, please contact Marcia Lubin at (410) 209-4854. More information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and the resources available to the community can be found on their website.
Summary of the Case
Jose Alexander Diaz-Rodriguez, a 23-year-old man from Thurmont, has pleaded guilty to charges related to breaking into his neighbor’s home and taking sexually explicit photographs of a child. The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland, Erek L. Barron. Diaz-Rodriguez broke into the bedroom where two children were sleeping and took a series of explicit images of an eight-year-old child. The incident was discovered by the child’s mother, who found Diaz-Rodriguez in the room. Diaz-Rodriguez was subsequently arrested, and a forensic examination of his cell phone uncovered over 1,000 files depicting the sexual abuse of children. Diaz-Rodriguez also admitted to distributing child sex abuse material on social media.
Charges Faced by the Defendant
Diaz-Rodriguez faced charges related to breaking and entering, sexual exploitation of a child, and distribution of child sex abuse material. These charges are serious offenses that carry severe legal repercussions. The guilty plea entered by Diaz-Rodriguez signifies his acceptance of responsibility for these charges.
Announcement of the Guilty Plea
The announcement of Diaz-Rodriguez’s guilty plea was made by United States Attorney Erek L. Barron. The announcement served as an acknowledgment of the progress made in the case and highlighted the commitment of law enforcement agencies to bring justice to the victims. The guilty plea announcement is a significant development in the legal proceedings against Diaz-Rodriguez.
Representatives Involved in the Announcement
The guilty plea announcement involved representatives from various law enforcement agencies. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron, along with Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office, Chief Greg Eyler of the Thurmont Police Department, Chief Jason Landon of the Frederick Police Department, and Frederick County State’s Attorney J. Charles Smith, III, collectively made the announcement. The involvement of these representatives underscores the collaborative nature of the investigation and prosecution.
Date and Location of the Incident
The incident took place on July 26, 2021, in Thurmont, Maryland. Thurmont is a town located in Frederick County, Maryland. The specific location of the incident was the home of Diaz-Rodriguez’s neighbor, where the children were sleeping.
Breaking and Entering
Diaz-Rodriguez unlawfully entered his neighbor’s home on the date of the incident. Breaking and entering is a criminal offense that involves the unauthorized entry into someone else’s property. Diaz-Rodriguez’s actions in breaking into his neighbor’s home were a precursor to the sexual exploitation of a child that took place.
Presence of Sleeping Children
At the time of the incident, two children, identified as Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2, were sleeping in the bedroom where Diaz-Rodriguez gained entry. The presence of sleeping children makes the gravity of the situation even more distressing, as they were unsuspecting and vulnerable to the sexual exploitation that followed.
Creation of Sexually Explicit Images
In a disturbing act, Diaz-Rodriguez produced a series of four explicit images of Jane Doe 1, an eight-year-old child. These images were intended to be sexually explicit in nature and constituted a gross violation of the child’s privacy and well-being. Diaz-Rodriguez’s actions highlight the predatory nature of his behavior and the harm inflicted upon the victim.
Discovery by Jane Doe 1’s Mother
Jane Doe 1’s mother became aware of the incident when she heard a noise and entered the bedroom to investigate. Upon entering the room, she found Diaz-Rodriguez on the ground next to the bed. This discovery prompted Diaz-Rodriguez to flee the scene, setting in motion his subsequent arrest and the initiation of legal proceedings against him.
Arrest and Seizure of Evidence
Following the discovery of Diaz-Rodriguez in the room, he fled but was apprehended a short time later by law enforcement. As part of the arrest process, a search warrant was executed at Diaz-Rodriguez’s residence, and his cell phone was seized. The seized cell phone became critical evidence in the subsequent forensic examination, which uncovered the extent of Diaz-Rodriguez’s involvement in the sexual exploitation of children.
Examination of Diaz-Rodriguez’s Cell Phone
As part of the investigation, Diaz-Rodriguez’s cell phone was subjected to a forensic examination. This examination aimed to uncover evidence of his involvement in the sexual exploitation of children. Cell phones often contain valuable information that can shed light on a perpetrator’s activities, and in this case, it played a crucial role in revealing the extent of Diaz-Rodriguez’s involvement.
Number of Child Sexual Abuse Files Found
The forensic examination of Diaz-Rodriguez’s cell phone yielded unsettling results. Over 1,000 files depicting the sexual abuse of children were discovered on the device. These files provide a harrowing glimpse into the magnitude of Diaz-Rodriguez’s involvement in the exploitation and abuse of children. The discovery of such a large number of files indicates the severity of Diaz-Rodriguez’s offenses.
Deletion of Images
Diaz-Rodriguez had deleted the four explicit images of Jane Doe 1 from his cell phone before the arrival of the police. This deliberate attempt to conceal his actions demonstrates the awareness and premeditation behind Diaz-Rodriguez’s actions. However, forensic examination techniques enabled the recovery of these deleted images, ensuring that justice could be served.
Use of Social Media
Diaz-Rodriguez admitted to distributing child sex abuse material on his social media account. Social media platforms have unfortunately become avenues for sharing illegal and explicit content, including child sex abuse material. The use of social media in distributing such material has serious consequences for the victims involved and highlights the need for increased vigilance and accountability in online spaces.
Specific Image Shared
As part of his distribution of child sex abuse material, Diaz-Rodriguez shared a specific image documenting the sexual abuse of a child. The graphic nature of this image further underlines the exploitation and harm inflicted upon innocent children. Sharing such abhorrent content perpetuates the abuse suffered by the child depicted and perpetuates the cycle of exploitation.
Consequences of Distributing Child Sex Abuse Material
The distribution of child sex abuse material has severe consequences for both the victims depicted in the material and society as a whole. The circulation of such material perpetuates the victimization of children, exposes them to further harm, and contributes to the demand for child exploitation. It is crucial to hold individuals accountable for distributing this material to curb the proliferation of child sex abuse.
Terms of the Plea Agreement
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Diaz-Rodriguez will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) upon his release from prison. This requirement aims to ensure that the community is aware of Diaz-Rodriguez’s presence and potential danger posed by him. The plea agreement is a legally binding agreement between Diaz-Rodriguez and the government, outlining the agreed-upon sentence.
Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA)
The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) is a federal law that requires individuals convicted of certain offenses, including sexual exploitation of children, to register as sex offenders. SORNA aims to protect the public by providing information about convicted sex offenders and facilitating law enforcement’s monitoring and supervision of offenders. Diaz-Rodriguez’s registration as a sex offender will help ensure community safety upon his release from prison.
Agreed Sentence
As part of the plea agreement between Diaz-Rodriguez and the government, an agreed-upon sentence of 18 years in federal prison has been reached. The agreed sentence reflects the seriousness of the offenses committed and aims to hold Diaz-Rodriguez accountable for his actions. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled the sentencing for November 20, 2023.
Background of Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006. The initiative focuses on combating the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. By mobilizing federal, state, and local resources, Project Safe Childhood aims to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals involved in the sexual exploitation of children. The initiative operates under the collaborative efforts of the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section.
Goal and Scope of the Initiative
The goal of Project Safe Childhood is to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse. By coordinating efforts across jurisdictions and agencies, the initiative seeks to dismantle child exploitation networks, rescue victims, and ensure that those responsible for these crimes face justice. The scope of the initiative encompasses investigations, prosecutions, victim assistance, and public awareness and education.
Collaboration with Law Enforcement Agencies
Project Safe Childhood relies on the collaboration and cooperation of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. By pooling resources and expertise, these agencies work together to identify, investigate, and apprehend individuals involved in the sexual exploitation of children. The successful outcomes of cases like Diaz-Rodriguez’s guilty plea are a testament to the effectiveness of collaboration in combating child exploitation.
Achievements and Impact
Since its inception, Project Safe Childhood has made significant strides in combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. Through the joint efforts of law enforcement agencies, the initiative has resulted in the apprehension and conviction of numerous offenders. Additionally, Project Safe Childhood has played a crucial role in raising public awareness about the prevalence of child exploitation, educating communities, and providing resources for victims.
Recognition of Investigating Agencies
The Investigating agencies involved in the case against Diaz-Rodriguez deserve recognition for their dedication and commitment to seeking justice for the victims and holding perpetrators accountable. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Thurmont Police Department, the Frederick Police Department, and the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office played integral roles in investigating and prosecuting Diaz-Rodriguez. Their efforts highlight the importance of collaboration in effectively addressing child exploitation cases.
Appreciation for Prosecution Team
The prosecution team, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joyce King, deserves appreciation for their diligent work in pursuing justice in this case. Their expertise and dedication to the legal process ensured a fair and thorough prosecution of Diaz-Rodriguez’s crimes. Thanks to their efforts, the victims and the community have seen progress towards resolution and accountability.
Contact Information for U.S. Attorney’s Office
For media inquiries and further information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, please contact Marcia Lubin at (410) 209-4854. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is a valuable resource for information about ongoing cases, victim resources, and community outreach programs. Their website provides additional information about their work in the district and the initiatives they are involved in to combat child exploitation.
Contact for Media Inquiries
For media inquiries and requests for information, please contact Marcia Lubin at (410) 209-4854. Media inquiries play a vital role in disseminating accurate, factual information to the public, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office is available to provide the necessary information in a timely manner.
Website Links for Further Information
For further information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, their work, and the initiatives they are involved in, please visit their website. The website contains valuable resources, including information about ongoing cases, victim resources, and community outreach programs. It is a comprehensive source of information regarding the efforts being made by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to combat child exploitation in the district.