An indictment has been unsealed against Ramel Warner, charging him with the sexual exploitation of a child. Warner was arrested and arraigned before Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon, where he was detained pending trial.
The announcement came from John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge at the FBI's New York Field Office.
Durham stated, "As alleged, while babysitting a seven-year-old boy, the defendant horrifically abused him, filmed the acts and subsequently distributed it on the dark web." He emphasized that their office is committed to working with law enforcement partners to bring justice to those who abuse children.
Dennehy added that Warner allegedly used his position as a babysitter to film himself assaulting the child. "Warner's alleged actions are unconscionable," he said. The FBI urges anyone with information about Warner's actions to come forward for further investigation and victim support.
Court documents indicate that in 2022, Warner raped a young boy while babysitting him at his home. Six videos were recorded by Warner depicting sexual abuse of the child; these were later distributed on the dark web.
Authorities believe Warner may have worked in afterschool programs in Brooklyn public schools and encourage anyone with relevant information to contact them via RWarnerCase@fbi.gov.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse since 2006. The project coordinates federal, state, and local resources for prosecuting offenders and rescuing victims.
The charges against Warner are allegations; he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, he faces a sentence ranging from 15 to 30 years.
Assistant United States Attorney Vincent Chiappini is leading the prosecution under Docket No. 25-CR-32.
Ramel Warner
Age: 23
Brooklyn, New York