Juan Carlos Puente, a 47-year-old resident of Clinton, Maryland, has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to the production and possession of child sexual abuse material. The announcement was made by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, along with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul from the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office.
According to details provided in the plea agreement, between October 1, 2021, and April 22, 2022, Puente used Facebook messages to entice a minor living in the Dominican Republic to engage in illegal sexual activity and create child pornography. He instructed the victim to perform sexual acts on herself and send videos depicting this conduct in exchange for money. Evidence showed that Puente sent money transfer identification numbers and stated he had sent money multiple times.
On January 9, 2024, FBI agents executed a federal search warrant at Puente’s home in Clinton. During the search, law enforcement seized electronic devices containing visual depictions of minors involved in sexually explicit conduct.
As part of his plea agreement, Puente is required to register as a sex offender wherever he lives, works, or studies under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Puente faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and could receive up to 50 years in federal prison. Sentencing is scheduled before U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis on Monday, January 26 at 10 a.m.
This case falls under Project Safe Childhood—a national initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at addressing child sexual exploitation and abuse through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local agencies. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc. Additional resources on internet safety education are available at https://www.justice.gov/psc by clicking on the “Resources” tab.
U.S. Attorney Hayes acknowledged the investigative work of the FBI as well as assistance from the Prince George's County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan S. McKoy and Trial Attorney Jessica L. Urban from the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section are prosecuting this case.
Information about priorities and community resources offered by the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office can be accessed at https://www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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