A former GOP Senate staffer from Washington, D.C. sentenced to more than 12 years in prison in a child pornography case.

An April 12 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement news release reported Ruben Verastigui, a former senior ad designer for the Republican National Committee, pleaded guilty to keeping 162 videos and more than 50 images of child pornography on his phone in July 2021. A federal judge has sentenced him to 151 months in prison.

"Mr. Verastigui's crimes are particularly heinous, a fact that was reflected in the severity of his sentencing," said Special Agent in Charge Raymond Villanueva of HSI Washington, D.C. "This sentencing should serve as a warning to other who would victimize innocent children. We will not stand by as these monsters exploit the most fragile members of society."

Verastigui was sentenced to a total of 151 months in federal prison for being a recipient of child pornography, the news release reported. Verastigui was reportedly found in an online group devoted to the trading of child pornography, as well as the discussion of child sexual abuse.

The news release reported Verastigui was vocal in the group about his preference for babies. He was even quoted as saying they were his "absolute favorite." The investigation found Versatigui solicited videos of babies being raped from another member of the group. 

Upon his release, Verastigui will be subject to five years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender for at least 15 years.