A complaint was unsealed in U.S. District Court on Apr. 7 charging Zabdiel Aaron Rothschild, 26, of the District of Columbia, with production of child pornography, coercion and enticement of a minor, receipt of child pornography, and transfer of obscene material to a minor, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
The case is significant due to the alleged use of online platforms to exploit minors and the serious nature of the charges involving multiple victims. The charges highlight ongoing concerns about child safety on digital communication platforms.
According to court documents, beginning in January 2025, Rothschild allegedly used Discord—a gaming and messaging application—to communicate with three minor victims. During these communications, he reportedly asked for and received sexually explicit videos from them. In one instance detailed in court documents, Rothschild told a victim who was only 13 years old that he wanted her to engage in specific sexual acts; she then recorded herself following his instructions.
Rothschild is also alleged to have openly discussed age differences during conversations where he coerced or enticed minors into illicit conduct. He made statements such as “little teens belong to old men like me” and “it’s normal for kids to have a crush on older people.” In other messages cited by prosecutors, Rothschild said “I have the lifelong fantasy of carving my initials into a girl,” and “I can’t wait to choke you and use your unconscious body.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox (Washington Field Office) and Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran (San Antonio Field Office) joined Pirro in announcing the charges.
The investigation is being conducted by FBI field offices in San Antonio, Washington, and San Francisco. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Kelley is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood—a Department of Justice initiative launched nationwide in February 2006—to protect children from online exploitation and abuse through collaboration among federal, state, and local resources led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.
Authorities emphasize that charges are allegations only; every defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.