A Baltimore man, Jose Adan Lopez-Guevara, 37, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of child sexual abuse material. The indictment includes five counts related to the alleged offenses.
The announcement was made by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, alongside officials from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Maryland State Police (MSP), Baltimore County Police Department, and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney's Office.
According to the indictment, Lopez-Guevara is accused of persuading a minor male to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions. Authorities reportedly discovered child sex abuse material in his possession on December 12, 2024.
If convicted, Lopez-Guevara faces significant prison time. Each count of sexual exploitation carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in federal prison. Additionally, possession of child sexual abuse material could result in up to 20 years imprisonment. Sentences are determined by a federal district court judge based on various guidelines and factors.
It is important to note that an indictment is not proof of guilt; individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due process.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at addressing child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. The project brings together resources from different levels of government to prosecute offenders and protect victims.
U.S. Attorney Barron acknowledged the efforts of HSI, MSP, Baltimore County Police Department, and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office in this investigation. He also expressed gratitude towards Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow for prosecuting the case.
For further information about Project Safe Childhood or Internet safety education resources, visit www.justice.gov/psc.