A Mexican citizen, Jamie Neri-Soto, 42, has been indicted for receiving images of child sexual abuse. Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller announced the arrest following an investigation by Bothell Police detectives. The investigation began after reports were made to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). These cyber tips led investigators to identify Neri-Soto as the owner of electronic devices allegedly containing illicit images.
In October 2024, WhatsApp reported to NCMEC that a user had uploaded images of child sexual abuse. By January 2025, this information was referred to the Bothell Police Department. Detectives worked to connect the phone number and IP address to an individual, eventually identifying Neri-Soto through device and internet service provider data.
After surveillance, Neri-Soto was arrested and taken into custody by Bothell Police. Fingerprinting revealed he was a previously registered sex offender whose registration ended in 2017 when he was deported by federal authorities.
Federal authorities conducted a forensic analysis of Neri-Soto's electronic devices, allegedly discovering numerous images of child sexual abuse on one device. He was charged federally with receipt of such images.
A grand jury has since returned an indictment for receipt of child pornography. If convicted, Neri-Soto faces up to twenty years in prison. His arraignment is scheduled for March 13, 2025.
It is important to note that charges are only allegations at this stage; individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
The investigation involved both the Bothell Police Department and the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. This initiative coordinates resources from federal, state, and local levels to locate and prosecute offenders while also rescuing victims.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.