Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York | Department of Justice
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced on May 11 the filing of a complaint charging Bryan Cruz Solano with sexual exploitation of a minor. Cruz Solano was arrested on May 9 and presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo in Manhattan federal court. He was ordered detained pending trial by U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas, with his next appearance scheduled for May 12.
The case is significant due to the serious nature of the allegations involving child sexual abuse and the production and distribution of child pornography. Authorities emphasize their commitment to investigating such crimes and encourage public vigilance.
"As alleged, Bryan Cruz Solano sexually abused a 12-year-old child and, even more disgusting, recorded that abuse in order to trade it for other child pornography," said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. "We have heard it clear and strong from all New Yorkers, particularly New York families: Use all available resources to get sexual predators off our streets. And New Yorkers should know, predators often act with others, and we are committed to destroying these child sexual abuse networks. Help us if you can. Be vigilant. There may be additional victims in this case. If you have information to report about this or any other matter of child sexual abuse, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or https://tips.fbi.gov."
According to allegations detailed in the complaint, law enforcement began investigating after receiving information from an individual who reported that Cruz Solano had sent them videos depicting himself engaging in sexual acts with a minor identified as Victim-1. Law enforcement recovered evidence from digital devices showing communications linked to Cruz Solano's Snapchat account as well as video recordings involving Victim-1.
Cruz Solano admitted during an interview that he engaged in sexual acts with Victim-1 approximately 25 times over the past year and recorded these acts on several occasions while in Middletown, New York. He also admitted sending these recordings via electronic messaging platforms and enticing Victim-1's cooperation through gifts.
Cruz Solano faces one count of sexual exploitation of a child carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment up to a maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment as prescribed by Congress; sentencing will ultimately be determined by the judge.
Clayton praised multiple law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation including FBI task forces from Hudson Valley and New Haven, state police units from Troop F Computer Crimes Unit, Orange County Child Abuse Unit and Advocacy Center, as well as Hartford Police Department.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony P. Ferrara from the Office’s White Plains Division.
