U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. | U.S. Department of Justice
Antonio Felipe Belda, a former pediatrician from Baton Rouge and a Canadian citizen, has pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography. This announcement was made by United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. Belda, aged 39, admitted his guilt before U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles. His conviction could lead to a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to a lifetime period of supervised release with sex offender registration requirements. Additionally, he may face removal or deportation from the United States after serving his sentence.
During the plea hearing, it was revealed that Belda used internet-based accounts and mobile applications to acquire child pornography. He stored the illegal content on various computers and electronic storage devices. The investigation uncovered approximately 171 videos and 3,034 images depicting child pornography in his possession. Some materials involved the sexual assault of children as young as eight years old.
The investigation into this matter was conducted by several agencies: the United States Department of Homeland Security's Homeland Security Investigations division, the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office. The prosecution team includes Assistant United States Attorney Edward H. Warner—who also serves as Deputy Criminal Chief—First Assistant United States Attorney April Leon Johnson; and Trial Attorney Adam William Braskich from the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS).
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood coordinates federal, state, and local resources to locate and prosecute individuals exploiting children online while also identifying victims for rescue efforts.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood initiatives, visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
