Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that Reza Heta Pratama, a 28-year-old foreign national from the Republic of Indonesia, has pleaded guilty to possession of materials involving the sexual exploitation of minors. This violation falls under Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2). Pratama could face up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, supervised release for life, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
U.S. District Judge Darrel James Papillion is scheduled to sentence Pratama on September 9, 2025.
Court documents reveal that Pratama was formerly employed by Carnival Cruise Lines and was arrested in July 2024 by agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations at the Erato Street Cruise Terminal in New Orleans after being found with child pornography.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project involves federal, state, and local resources aimed at locating and prosecuting individuals who exploit children online while also identifying and rescuing victims. More information about this initiative can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office acknowledged the assistance provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection in this case's prosecution. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Reed from the Violent Crimes Unit is handling the prosecution.
