A former Army soldier, Jason Charles Manuelito, has been sentenced to over 24 years in prison for producing child sexual abuse material. The sentence, specified as 292 months of imprisonment, will be followed by 10 years of supervised release. Manuelito, aged 27, pled guilty to the charge on June 11, 2024.
The investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) began when CID received several cybertips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. These cybertips indicated that an IP address from a military base was used to upload child pornography, known as child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The uploads occurred on social media platforms like Kik, as well as on Google and Dropbox. Investigators traced the IP address to Manuelito.
A search and seizure operation was conducted on Manuelito's person and barracks, during which digital devices were seized. Analysis of these devices revealed multiple conversations between Manuelito and minors. In these discussions, Manuelito encouraged the children to send explicit images, sometimes sharing explicit pictures of himself in return. Approximately nine victims were identified and interviewed, with many other victims remaining unidentified. Some of these victims were as young as 11 years old when they were coerced into creating and sharing CSAM with Manuelito. In a recorded interview, Manuelito admitted to engaging in online relationships with minors, which included exchanging illicit images.
The announcement of the sentencing was made by Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Daniel P. Bubar, following the decision by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Army CID and FBI conducted the investigation, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Charity Wilson prosecuted the case.
Further details on the case can be accessed through the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina's website or via PACER using Case No. 5:23-CR-00200.