Ricardo Velazquez Reyes, a 23-year-old resident of Pasco, Washington, was sentenced on March 5 to five years in prison for the receipt of child pornography, according to First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material. In addition to his prison term, Velazquez Reyes will serve a 15-year supervised release period, must register as a sex offender, and is required to follow restrictions related to electronic device use. He was also ordered to pay $154,000 in restitution to minor victims depicted in the files he received and distributed.
Court documents show that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted an undercover operation targeting individuals using online platforms for child pornography offenses. Between December 2023 and March 2024, Velazquez Reyes distributed known child pornography files to an undercover agent. A search warrant executed at his residence led agents from HSI and the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (SER-ICAC) to seize multiple electronic devices containing over 1,000 illicit files involving minors under age twelve.
During questioning by SER-ICAC detectives, Velazquez Reyes admitted obtaining the material via the dark web and said he was sexually stimulated by it. At the time of his arrest, he was enrolled in a cybersecurity program at a local college.
“Mr. Velazquez Reyes distributed sickening images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of minor children in our community and abroad,” said Serrano. “This material often depicts the worst day of a young child’s life, yet Mr. Velazquez Reyes distributed these images and videos and gained personal gratification from them. Thanks to the proactive work of Homeland Security Investigations and the Southeast Regional ICAC team, Mr. Velazquez Reyes was identified, apprehended and prosecuted for his conduct, preventing the further distribution of these horrific images and videos.”
Damon Jansen, Commander of SER-ICAC Task Force said: “Every image or video of child sexual abuse represents a real child who was victimized. When offenders download, possess, and distribute this material, they are continuing the cycle of abuse for those victims. This case highlights the importance of proactive investigations and strong partnerships between Homeland Security Investigations and our Southeast Regional ICAC Task Force. Together, we are committed to identifying offenders, rescuing victims, and holding those who exploit children accountable.”
April Miller, Acting Special Agent in Charge at HSI Seattle added: “By leveraging our advanced cyber capabilities, HSI relentlessly pursues those who traffic in the abuse of children and ensures they are brought to justice. Together with our local partners, we are protecting vulnerable victims and helping to rescue children worldwide from this horrific exploitation.”
The investigation involved members from HSI as well as local police departments from Richland, Kennewick, Pasco Police Departments and Benton County Sheriff’s Office through SER-ICAC Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Laurel J. Holland prosecuted the case.
