Anthony Man Sentenced to Life Following Trial Conviction for Child Exploitation Offenses

ALBUQUERQUE – An Anthony man was sentenced to life in prison after a jury found him guilty of multiple child exploitation offenses following a federal trial.

There is no parole in the federal system.  As a result, a sentence of lifetime incarceration is served without parole.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, from 2018 through 2022, Othon Jorge Zamarripa, 35, abused his position of trust as a caregiver by coercing minors to engage in illegal sexual activity through manipulation, threats, physical abuse, and the use of online pornography to exert control and maintain secrecy.

On July 28, 2025, following a multi-day trial, Zamarripa was convicted of two counts of coercion and enticement of a minor. Based on the nature of the offenses, the length of time over which they occurred, and the harm caused, the court imposed a sentence of life imprisonment.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Ryan G. McRae, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations - El Paso, made the announcement today.

Homeland Security Investigations - El Paso investigated this case with assistance from the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office and Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joni Autrey Stahl and Jackson K. Dering V prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.