Manuel A. Rodriguez, age 29, of Pasco, Washington, was sentenced on March 11 to 20 years in prison for online enticement of a minor and attempted production of child pornography, according to First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano. Chief United States District Court Judge Stanley A. Bastian also ordered Rodriguez to serve a lifetime term of supervised release after his sentence, register as a sex offender, and comply with restrictions regarding electronic device use.
The case highlights the dangers posed by individuals who use social media platforms to target minors for sexual exploitation. Law enforcement officials say that the courage of victims and collaborative efforts between agencies are crucial in protecting children from such crimes.
According to court documents, the investigation began in February 2023 when a local high school student reported being sexually assaulted by a 26-year-old male when she was 15 years old, resulting in pregnancy. The Pasco Police Department identified Rodriguez as the perpetrator and discovered he had contacted the victim through Snapchat in October 2022. He engaged in sexually explicit conversations with her over an extended period before meeting her twice and sexually assaulting her.
Further investigation revealed that Rodriguez communicated with several Snapchat users who identified themselves as minor girls, some as young as 13. One victim was identified as a 14-year-old girl living out of state from whom Rodriguez requested and received explicit images and videos.
“Rodriguez reprehensibly used online applications to target, meet, and sexually abuse children in the Eastern District of Washington. I applaud the courage of the 15-year-old victim, whose report enabled law enforcement to protect other children from Mr. Rodriguez’s conduct,” said Serrano. “Through the courage of the victim and the tireless efforts of our ICAC Team, this offender will no longer be in the community to harm children. Although no sentence can overcome the ongoing harm suffered by the minor victims in this case, the collaborative work of the state and federal law enforcement officers and my office in this case makes clear that we will use every available tool and resource to protect our children.”
“Offenders who use social media platforms to exploit children often believe they can hide behind a screen,” said Hyrum Stohel, Sergeant with the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. “But through careful investigation and digital forensics, law enforcement is often able to identify those responsible and stop further victimization. Investigations like this demonstrate the importance of partnerships between local law enforcement and federal agencies to identify offenders, protect victims, and prevent further harm to children in our communities.”
Homeland Security Investigations Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller said: “The extraordinary bravery of a victim, who worked with local law enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations special agents to provide crucial digital evidence, was instrumental in putting this child predator behind bars. Her courage not only brought Rodriguez to justice but also protected other children from potential harm. Predators who use online platforms to groom and arrange meetings with vulnerable children will find no refuge from law enforcement.”
The case was investigated by multiple agencies including Pasco Police Department; Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force; Homeland Security Investigations; Richland Police Department; Kennewick Police Department; Benton County Sheriff’s Office; and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laurel J. Holland.
