Miami Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Exploiting Child in Cuba and Transporting CSAM

MIAMI – A Miami man who solicited sexually explicit videos and images from a 14-year-old child in Cuba and amassed hundreds of files depicting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) has been sentenced to 27 years in federal prison. 

U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore sentenced Ariel Espinosa, 63, of Miami, to 324 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to attempted production and transportation of CSAM.

“Ariel Espinosa knew his victim was only 14 years old, yet he repeatedly paid and directed the child to create sexually explicit material for his gratification,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones. “His conduct was calculated, exploitative, and profoundly cruel. This 27-year sentence holds him accountable and sends a clear message that those who prey on children, whether here or abroad, will face severe consequences.”

According to court records, Espinosa arrived at Miami International Airport on Aug. 24, 2025, on a flight from Holguin, Cuba. During a secondary inspection, law enforcement officers conducted a cursory search of Espinosa’s cellphone and discovered hundreds of images and videos depicting CSAM.

Law enforcement also uncovered communications between Espinosa and a 14-year-old minor in Cuba. Despite knowing the victim was underage, Espinosa repeatedly solicited sexually explicit videos from the victim and directed the victim to create CSAM, often in exchange for electronic payments.

U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones and Special Agent in Charge José R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami made the announcement.

HSI Miami investigated the case with assistance from the HSI Caribbean Regional Attaché Office and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Montes prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-cr-20403.

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