PROVIDENCE, RI – Jose Marquez Escarcega, 29, of Woonsocket, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced yesterday to 60 months for the vile crime of possessing child pornography. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith, reflects the gravity of Escarcega’s depravity and the harm he inflicted on vulnerable children.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch, Rhode Island State Police Superintendent Ann C. Assumpico, and Matthew J. Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for New England, jointly announced the sentencing. Escarcega pleaded guilty on October 31, 2016, to one count of possession of child pornography, stemming from a federal indictment returned on December 3, 2015. This case has been years in the making, a slow burn of investigation and justice finally served.
The investigation began in July 2014 when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children flagged suspicious activity originating from Escarcega’s Woonsocket residence – the downloading of child pornography. The Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, working in conjunction with HSI, launched a full investigation. A court-authorized search of Escarcega’s home on October 2, 2014, proved crucial.
A forensic examination of a computer seized during the search revealed a sickening hoard: approximately 450 images and 40 videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. But the horror didn’t stop there. Investigators uncovered evidence that Escarcega had not only possessed this material but had actively sought out more. He’d contacted and paid an individual in the Philippines to provide him with a live video feed of a prepubescent female being molested – a chilling detail that underscores the depravity of his actions.
Beyond the 60-month prison sentence, Judge Smith ordered Escarcega to serve 20 years of supervised release upon his eventual release from incarceration. This lengthy period of supervision is intended to monitor his behavior and protect potential victims. Assistant U.S. Attorney Terrence P. Donnelly prosecuted the case, relentlessly pursuing justice for the voiceless victims.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of online child exploitation and the dedication of law enforcement agencies to combat it. The Grimy Times will continue to report on these disturbing crimes and hold perpetrators accountable. Anyone with information about suspected child exploitation is urged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children or their local law enforcement agency.
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Key Facts
- State: Rhode Island
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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