Nathaniel Ray Diaz, a 21-year-old from Greenfield, was arraigned following a federal grand jury's decision to indict him on three charges related to child sexual exploitation. The indictment includes charges for the sexual exploitation of a minor, attempted receipt of explicit imagery featuring a minor, and obstruction of justice, as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith.
Diaz had been serving a three-year sentence at Avenal State Prison in Kings County. His sentence was for lewd acts against a 12-year-old and for issuing criminal threats using a gun. From July 5, 2024, to November 25, 2024, Diaz reportedly utilized prison communication equipment, including a CDCR-issued tablet and monitored messaging systems, to contact the victim. Despite a 10-year no-contact order with the minor, he made numerous calls and pressured the victim to create and send explicit images. Upon discovering that law enforcement had been alerted, Diaz allegedly instructed others to destroy evidence.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Special Service Unit, and the Salinas Police Department. Prosecuting the case are Assistant U.S. Attorney David Gappa and Trial Attorney McKenzie Hightower of the Department of Justice's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section.
If convicted, Diaz could face a minimum of 25 years to a maximum of 50 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the exploitation charge. For attempted receipt of explicit material, the punishment ranges from a minimum of 15 years to a maximum of 40 years, along with a similar fine. Obstructing justice could bring a maximum sentence of 20 years and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing decisions will be at the court's discretion, taking statutory factors and Federal Sentencing Guidelines into account. Until proven guilty, Diaz remains presumed innocent.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in 2006 targeting child sexual exploitation and abuse. This nationwide project combines federal, state, and local efforts to apprehend offenders and rescue victims. For more information on Project Safe Childhood, interested parties are directed to the Department of Justice's website.