A Richlands man, Albert Suniga, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for producing child pornography. Following his prison term, he will undergo 10 years of supervised release. Additionally, Suniga is required to pay $74,000 in restitution to nine victims and a $5,000 fine. Suniga, aged 37, pled guilty to the charge on September 17, 2024.
The investigation into Suniga began when the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received two cyber tips from Google. The company reported that one of its users had uploaded images and videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to their Google Drive account. HSI agents traced the internet protocol (IP) address linked to the account and obtained search warrants for the associated email accounts, identifying them as belonging to Suniga.
Upon searching Suniga's email, investigators found several images and videos depicting a minor victim that appeared to have been produced by him. Concerned for the child's safety, agents executed a search warrant at Suniga's residence. During questioning, Suniga admitted to creating images of child sexual abuse involving a child in his home and possessing other unrelated abusive images. A digital forensic examination revealed numerous incriminating files on his devices.
Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced the sentencing after Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II delivered it. The case was investigated by multiple agencies including HSI, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), and Onslow County Sheriff’s Office with Assistant U.S. Attorney Charity Wilson prosecuting.
Further information about related court documents can be accessed via the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or through PACER using Case No. 7:24-CR-00008-M.
