Yoandris Jose Ruiz Bello, a 32-year-old Venezuelan citizen, has been charged by federal indictment with attempted production of child sexual abuse material, according to an April 27 announcement by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.
The charge carries a minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in federal prison if Ruiz Bello is convicted. The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address crimes involving the exploitation of minors.
Court documents state that on August 21, 2024, Ruiz Bello believed he was communicating online with a 13-year-old girl when he requested she produce and send him a sexually explicit video. In reality, the individual was an undercover special agent from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Ruiz Bello is currently detained as his case proceeds through the legal system.
Officials remind the public that an indictment is only a formal charge and that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Homeland Security Investigations is leading the investigation into this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg will prosecute the case.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Project Safe Childhood brings together resources from federal, state, and local agencies to find offenders who exploit children and rescue victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
