Individual Sentenced To 25 Years In Prison For Production Of Child Pornography

SAN JUAN, P.R. – United States District Court Judge Pedro A. Delgado-Hernández sentenced Ricardo Barrios-Calderón to 25 years in prison followed by a supervised release term of 10 years for production of child pornography, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Barrios-Calderón pleaded guilty on February 22, 2019.  

According to the statement of facts, which was part of the Plea Agreement states that on February 12, 2018, the mother of a 12-year-old female informed Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Agents that, on or about February 9, 2018, her daughter had told her that defendant Ricardo Barrios-Calderón had kissed her on the lips and had touched her breasts and vagina. The victim also told her mother that defendant Barrios-Calderón recorded her with his cellular phone while he was touching her. Barrios-Calderón is a close family member and would give the victim presents in exchange for her sexual encounters with him.

On February 12, 2018, FBI Agents executed a search warrant in defendant Barrios-Calderón’s residence and prior residence, both located in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Since defendant Barrios-Calderón was at his current residence, FBI Agents proceeded to arrest him. FBI Agents conducted a forensic examination on the defendant’s electronic equipment, which was found to contain sexually explicit videos between him and the minor, in addition to other unrelated images and videos of child pornography.

“The sexual abuse of children is repugnant, and it victimizes the most innocent and vulnerable of all,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “We must bring the full force of the law against sexual predators. We are committed to bringing the defendants in these cases to justice and protecting every child.” 

The FBI handled the investigation and Assistant United States Attorney Elba Gorbea prosecuted the case.

# # #