Ryan Cameron, a 22-year-old resident of Groton, has pleaded guilty to a child exploitation offense. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford, as announced by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
Court documents reveal that Cameron was previously convicted in state court in 2023 for the illegal dissemination of intimate images involving a 15-year-old girl. In April 2024, while on state probation, his probation officer discovered during a home visit that Cameron possessed a cell phone against the terms of his probation. A forensic analysis uncovered videos of child sexual abuse and messages where Cameron solicited and distributed child pornography. Additionally, recordings were found showing Cameron sending sexually explicit images and videos of himself to young girls via Snapchat.
Cameron has admitted guilt to the charge of receipt of child pornography. This offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and could result in up to 20 years in prison. Sentencing is set for March 28.
Since May 20, 2024, Cameron has been detained following his arrest on unrelated state charges.
The investigation into this matter was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with assistance from the New Haven Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Lembo is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution falls under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which focuses on protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
Reports of child exploitation can be made at www.cybertipline.com.