Tampa, Florida - U.S. District Judge Charlene Honeywell today sentenced Edwin Santiago (43, Lakeland) to 41 years and 8 months in federal prison for attempted production and possession of child pornography.
Santiago had pleaded guilty on April 22, 2019.
According to court documents, Santiago attempted to produce at least two sex abuse videos of an 8-year-old child. Santiago also distributed videos to individuals on the internet with whom he was discussing an interest in child exploitation. During online chats, Santiago expressed a desire to watch others sexually abuse the child and asked for volunteers to give the child sex lessons. Santiago also discussed and negotiated prices for the child’s virginity.
Santiago used internet-based platforms to distribute sex abuse material that included young children, toddlers, and sadomasochistic conduct. He also possessed over 100 images and over 100 videos of child pornography on his phone.
“The vile crimes committed by this child predator are beyond comprehension," said Homeland Security Investigations Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Micah McCombs. “We hope today’s sentencing is another step in the recovery for his victim."
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Murray.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
