A Shelton man, Ross DeLibro, 54, has pleaded guilty to child exploitation offenses in a case overseen by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport. The announcement was made by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
Court documents and statements revealed that an investigation began in March 2024 into the sharing of child sex abuse images and videos over a peer-to-peer file-sharing network. It was discovered that an IP address linked to DeLibro's residence in Shelton was used to download such material. A court-authorized search on May 1, 2024, led to the seizure of various devices from DeLibro’s home, including his Apple MacBook Air and iPhone. Analysis of these items uncovered images and videos depicting male children being sexually abused, including two images showing DeLibro engaging in explicit conduct with a toddler.
DeLibro admitted guilt to charges of producing child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and could extend up to 30 years, and possession of child pornography, with a maximum sentence of 20 years. Sentencing is scheduled for August 14.
DeLibro has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on June 11, 2024.
The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Connecticut State Police, the Shelton Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Scientific Services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel George and Nancy Gifford are prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan expressed gratitude to the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Ansonia/Milford for their cooperation.
This prosecution falls under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. More information about this initiative can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, visit www.cybertipline.com.
For victim assistance, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office Victim Advocate at usact.vns@usdoj.gov or call 203-696-3039.
