A Miami man was sentenced on Aug. 4 to 27 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to attempting to produce and transport child sexual abuse material involving a minor in Cuba. U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore handed down the sentence of 324 months to Ariel Espinosa, 63, following his guilty plea.
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones said, “Ariel Espinosa knew his victim was only 14 years old, yet he repeatedly paid and directed the child to create sexually explicit material for his gratification. His conduct was calculated, exploitative, and profoundly cruel. This 27-year sentence holds him accountable and sends a clear message that those who prey on children, whether here or abroad, will face severe consequences.”
According to court records, Espinosa arrived at Miami International Airport on Aug. 24, 2025, from Holguin, Cuba. During a secondary inspection by law enforcement officers, a search of Espinosa’s cellphone revealed hundreds of images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Authorities also found communications between Espinosa and a 14-year-old minor in Cuba indicating that he had solicited sexually explicit videos from the victim in exchange for electronic payments.
The case announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones, along with Special Agent in Charge José R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations Miami. The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations Miami with assistance from the HSI Caribbean Regional Attaché Office and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Montes prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida oversees an area spanning about 15,197 square miles across nine counties serving more than seven million residents; it operates under the Department of Justice with branch offices in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Fort Pierce and Key West; it has approximately 223 assistant attorneys as well as special assistants and support staff; it prosecutes federal criminal cases including those involving child exploitation crimes such as this one, according to the official website.