A Shelton resident, Ross DeLibro, 54, has been sentenced to 24 years in federal prison after being convicted of producing and possessing child sex abuse images. U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill issued the sentence in Bridgeport, which also includes 10 years of supervised release.
According to information presented in court, a Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes Unit detective began investigating the sharing of child sexual abuse images and videos through a peer-to-peer file sharing network in March 2024. The investigation identified an IP address linked to DeLibro’s home as a source of shared illegal material.
Further inquiry established that DeLibro had worked as a preschool teacher and served as an in-home nanny for several families since at least 2007. He held a degree in early childhood education and advertised his nanny services on a widely used employment website.
On May 1, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at DeLibro’s residence. Officers seized electronic devices including an Apple MacBook Air, iPhone, and external hard drive. Forensic analysis found image and video files showing male children being sexually abused. Two images depicted DeLibro himself engaged in explicit acts with a toddler.
DeLibro was arrested on June 11, 2024, on related state charges and has remained detained since then. He pleaded guilty on May 15, 2025, to production and possession of child pornography.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Connecticut State Police led the investigation with support from the Shelton Police Department and the Division of Scientific Services within the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel George and Nancy Gifford prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan expressed appreciation for the cooperation provided by the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Ansonia/Milford during both investigation and prosecution.
"This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc."
"To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com."
