Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney has announced the unsealing of an indictment against Rigoberto Rios Gallardo, a 31-year-old resident of Los Angeles, California. He faces three counts of production of child sexual abuse material and one count of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. If convicted on all charges, Rios Gallardo could face life imprisonment.
The indictment alleges that on three occasions in August and September 2024, Rios Gallardo used various means to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a minor into sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of creating visual depictions. Additionally, between August and December 2024, he is accused of knowingly persuading a minor to engage in sexual activities.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely a formal charge that suggests violations of federal criminal law have occurred. The defendant remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI along with the North Port Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry will prosecute the case.
This legal action 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 nationwide. This program coordinates resources from federal, state, and local levels to apprehend individuals who exploit children while also working to identify and rescue victims. Further details about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.