San Antonio man sentenced to 41 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a child

SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was sentenced to 41 years in federal prison for producing and distributing child pornography.

Demetrio Rodriguez, 34, produced and shared 20 videos on social media of himself and a minor engaging in sexual activity, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas.

Investigators identified the abuse on February 15, 2023, through Operation Rescue Me, the statement said.

The joint operation was led by the FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Ramirez pleaded guilty, without a plea agreement, on Feb. 20 to one count of sexual exploitation of children and one count of distribution of child pornography, the release said.

The defendant was ordered to confiscate his phone and all online accounts he used to commit the offenses. He also faces lifetime supervised release for these offenses, the release said.

Restitution will be decided later.

“Demetrio Ramirez preyed on children, one of the most vulnerable groups in our society, and this sentence ensures that he cannot harm another child,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the bureau exterior of the FBI in San Antonio. “We would like to thank our partners at NCMEC and DOJ, through their Safe Childhood Project, for their continued assistance in protecting our communities from predators.”

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