A federal grand jury has indicted Ricardo Gutierrez, a 27-year-old from Red Bluff, on charges of sexual exploitation of a child and distribution of visual depictions involving minors in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith and unsealed following Gutierrez's arrest.

Court documents reveal that in April 2024, Gutierrez allegedly used four children to produce at least two videos depicting them in sexually explicit acts. Between November 2023 and July 2024, he is also accused of distributing several videos and images of prepubescent children, including infants, engaged in similar conduct.

The investigation leading to the indictment was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Whitnee Goins prosecuting the case.

If convicted on charges of sexual exploitation of a child, Gutierrez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison. He could also receive a lifetime supervised release, restitution, and a $250,000 fine. For distribution charges involving minors in explicit conduct, the penalties range from a minimum five-year sentence to a maximum of 20 years, along with similar additional penalties. Sentencing would be determined by the court based on statutory factors and Federal Sentencing Guidelines. It is important to note that these are allegations and Gutierrez is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project coordinates efforts among federal, state, and local resources to prosecute offenders and rescue victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.usdoj.gov/psc under the “resources” tab for internet-safety education.