A man from Ocala, Florida, Francisco Alvarez-Tello, 28, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison following an investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The case involved Alvarez-Tello's attempt to engage in sexual activities with a minor.
Alvarez-Tello pled guilty on October 24, 2024, and was sentenced on April 1, 2025. The investigation revealed that in July 2024, Alvarez-Tello responded to an advertisement on an online dating app. Unbeknownst to him, the ad was placed by an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 13-year-old child. Alvarez-Tello engaged in conversations of a sexual nature and made explicit plans to meet the child.
"HSI and our law enforcement partners are continually monitoring and combating the dangerous misuse of social media that puts our children at risk," stated ICE Homeland Security Investigations Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. He emphasized the collaborative efforts of "HSI, in collaboration with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement" in safeguarding children from sexual predators.
Alvarez-Tello was arrested upon arriving at a pre-arranged location to meet the child, where law enforcement officers discovered a firearm in his vehicle. During an interview post-arrest, Alvarez-Tello acknowledged sending the incriminating messages and expressed his frustration with law enforcement for interrupting his plans.
The investigation was carried out by ICE HSI Orlando alongside the Marion County Sheriff's Office, the Ocala Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Belkis H. Callaos.
