California Man Arrested For Production Of Child Pornography

BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jorge Alvarez, 24, of Los Angeles, CA, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production of child pornography. The charge carries a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum penalty of 30 years, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. Penrose, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, an individual residing in Depew, NY contacted the Depew Police Department in August 2018 concerning the possible sexual exploitation of her minor daughter. Subsequent investigation determined that between June and July 2018, Alvarez engaged in sexually explicit communications with the minor via Instagram and text messages. During the course of these communications, the defendant sent lewd images of himself to the minor, and solicited the minor to produce and send various images of herself to him.

The defendant made an initial appearance before Judge Michael J. Roemer and was released on conditions.

The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Depew Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jerome Miller, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.