An individual from Lorton has been sentenced to 18 years in prison following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Jose Alejandro Belmonte Cardozo, 31, was convicted of sexually exploiting minors using a popular social media platform.
Special Agent in Charge Christopher Heck from ICE Homeland Security Investigations, Washington D.C., stated, "Those who exploit and harm children will be held fully accountable." He emphasized the commitment to prosecuting child predators and ensuring they are imprisoned.
Court documents revealed that between May 1, 2021, and May 8, 2024, Belmonte Cardozo used Snapchat to exploit minors by enticing them to send child sexual abuse material. He created multiple accounts to engage with minors under false pretenses, including posing as a teenager and promising access to a fake group chat in exchange for explicit content.
Belmonte Cardozo acquired over 1,000 images and videos depicting children involved in sexually explicit activities on various electronic devices. On May 8, 2024, he transported two cellphones containing about 600 sexually explicit images and videos of minors into the United States via Dulles International Airport.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Halper and Zoe Bedell.
The public is advised to report criminal activity by contacting the ICE Tip Line at 866-347-2423. More information on HSI’s mission to enhance public safety can be found on their X account, @HSI_DC.
