Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana
United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. has announced that a federal grand jury has returned a two-count indictment against Victorino De La Cruz, 42, from Mableton, Georgia. The charges include attempted production of child pornography and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. De La Cruz has appeared for his arraignment and entered a plea of not guilty.
The indictment states that between August 8, 2024, and November 22, 2024, De La Cruz allegedly attempted to involve an individual he believed was a minor in sexually explicit conduct with the intent to produce child pornography. Additionally, on August 11, 2024, it is alleged that De La Cruz used interstate commerce means to attempt the transfer of obscene material to someone he believed was under the age of 16.
If convicted, the charge of attempted production of child pornography carries a potential sentence ranging from 15 to 30 years in prison, subject to sentencing enhancements. The charge for attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Further consequences could include sex offender registration, supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Anderson is prosecuting the case.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation by a grand jury. The defendant remains presumed innocent until proven guilty at trial or through a guilty plea.
