The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania reported the sentencing of Alvaro Andres Valarezo Sandoval, an Ecuadorian national residing in Miami, Florida, to 30 years in prison. On April 23, 2025, Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion sentenced Sandoval for his involvement in the production of child pornography.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus revealed that Sandoval exploited six minors from Central Pennsylvania by misleading and threatening them into producing and sending explicit photos and videos from 2013 to 2019. Sandoval would develop a relationship with the victims through affection and then compel them to share sexually explicit materials. In instances where a victim tried to end the communication, Sandoval resorted to extortion by threatening to publicize their images unless they continued sharing content.
The investigation revealed at least six victims in central Pennsylvania and approximately 30 others globally. During sentencing, one victim provided a heartfelt statement describing the profound impact the crime had on her and her family.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera handled the prosecution.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative commenced in May 2006, led by the Department of Justice. The project pools federal, state, and local resources to detect, apprehend, and prosecute those who exploit children sexually, as well as to identify and rescue victims. More details about the initiative can be found at www.usdoj.gov/psc.