United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Devin Joseph Rivera, a 24-year-old resident of Ocala, Florida, to ten years in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor into sexual activity. Rivera had entered a guilty plea on September 20, 2024.
Court documents reveal that on July 24, 2024, Rivera engaged in online communication with an individual he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. This individual was actually an undercover special agent from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). During the interaction, Rivera participated in sexually explicit conversations and was subsequently arrested when he arrived at a pre-arranged meeting location in Marion County with the intent to engage in sexual activity. He brought along a blanket and a condom.
"Actively scouring the dark web to find and collect sexual abuse content of children perpetuates the suffering of innocent victims around the world," stated Homeland Security Investigations Orlando's David Pezzutti. "This sentencing reflects the gravity of this predator’s crimes, as well as HSI’s commitment to shedding a light on the dark web to protect children from harm."
The investigation involved several agencies including Homeland Security Investigations, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Chiefland Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project coordinates efforts across federal, state, and local levels to apprehend offenders and rescue victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.