A federal grand jury has charged Victorino De La Cruz, a 42-year-old resident of Mableton, Georgia, with attempted production of child pornography and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. De La Cruz appeared for his arraignment and entered a plea of not guilty.
The indictment alleges that between August 8, 2024, and November 22, 2024, De La Cruz knowingly attempted to engage an individual he believed to be a minor in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. Additionally, it is alleged that on August 11, 2024, De La Cruz attempted to transfer obscene material to someone he believed was under the age of 16 using interstate commerce.
If convicted of attempted production of child pornography, De La Cruz faces a potential sentence ranging from 15 to 30 years in prison. The charge of attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Further consequences could include sex offender registration, supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Anderson is prosecuting the case.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation by a grand jury. The defendant remains presumed innocent until proven guilty at trial or through a guilty plea.