Ismail J. Ramsey, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California
Daniel Philip Aguirre, a 33-year-old resident of Salinas, has been sentenced to 22.5 years in federal prison for his involvement in child sex trafficking, child enticement, and child pornography offenses. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Beth L. Freeman.
Aguirre pleaded guilty on October 30, 2024, to multiple charges including conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor, sex trafficking of a minor, coercion and enticement of a minor, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
The plea agreement revealed that between 2014 and 2017, Aguirre used platforms like Grindr, SnapChat, and Craigslist to recruit adolescent boys for sexual exploitation. In May 2014, he enticed a 14-year-old victim into illegal sexual acts with himself and another man in San Jose. During these acts, amyl nitrates were used to keep the victim intoxicated. Between April and September 2017, Aguirre trafficked another 14-year-old while maintaining an illegal relationship with the victim and creating child sexual abuse materials.
Aguirre also acknowledged allegations from two other boys who claimed they were subjected to abuse by him between 2013 and 2015. Numerous child sexual abuse materials were found on devices seized from his residence during a search in 2022.
“This defendant preyed on and exploited children,” stated Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins. “Thanks to the work of our federal and state law enforcement partners, Aguirre will spend over 20 years in federal prison for his heinous conduct.”
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Tatum King commented on the case: “This individual is the absolute personification of a predator.” He praised the efforts of HSI agents and their collaboration with local law enforcement.
During sentencing, both the government and the Court recognized the bravery of victims who reported their abuse. The first report came from a victim who approached the Carmel-by-the-Sea Police Department in 2020; subsequently, three more victims came forward.
In addition to his prison term and restitution payment of $19,100, Aguirre faces a 15-year supervised release period after serving his sentence. Devices containing abusive materials were ordered forfeited by Judge Freeman along with imposing a $500 special assessment fee.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marissa Harris led the prosecution with support from Sahib Kaur following an investigation by HSI alongside Carmel-by-the-Sea Police Department.
