Roger B. Handberg, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida
A Gainesville man, Alberto Christian Quiroz, has entered a guilty plea for the attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual acts. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. Quiroz, aged 32, is facing a minimum sentence of 10 years and could potentially be sentenced to life in federal prison. The date for sentencing has not been determined.
Court documents reveal that Quiroz was employed by a care agency contracted with the Florida Department of Children and Families to provide services for children. On July 26 and 27, 2024, he communicated via an online messaging service with an undercover detective who was posing as a 14-year-old girl. Quiroz arranged to meet this supposed minor at an Ocala restaurant for sexual purposes but was arrested upon arrival by agents.
The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations, the Ocala Police Department, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton is prosecuting the case.
This legal action is part of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative coordinates federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals exploiting children while also identifying and rescuing victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
