Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation Charges

Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of Children and Distribution of Child Pornography

A Boston man, Robinson Alberto Baez-Nova, has pleaded guilty to charges of sexual exploitation of children, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. The case highlights the importance of addressing these crimes in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Background

Baez-Nova, a 39-year-old resident of Jamaica Plain, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of children, one count of distribution of child pornography, and two counts of possession of child pornography. The charges were brought against him following a criminal complaint on April 29, 2021.

On November 5, 2020, police received 13 reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children CyberTipline. These reports were associated with a Google account and email addresses linked to Baez-Nova. The reports indicated that the Google account had uploaded suspected child pornography to Baez-Nova’s Google Photos between November 14, 2018, and August 27, 2020. Further investigation revealed images and videos of child pornography on Baez-Nova’s cellphone.

Exploitation of Minors

During the investigation, law enforcement discovered a WhatsApp chat on Baez-Nova’s cellphone with an individual identified as “Y.P.” This individual was a 17-year-old male living in the Dominican Republic. Y.P. had access to his niece, referred to as “MINOR A” in the indictment. The chat revealed discussions between Baez-Nova and Y.P. about MINOR A’s ninth birthday, with Y.P. requesting money from Baez-Nova for the birthday celebration. Y.P. continuously emphasized the financial needs of his family and MINOR A, urging Baez-Nova to send money. Shockingly, Baez-Nova agreed to send money if Y.P. exploited MINOR A by producing child pornography. As a result, Y.P. sent Baez-Nova five videos of MINOR A in response to his specific requests.

In addition to the chat with Y.P., law enforcement found another WhatsApp chat on Baez-Nova’s device with a 14-year-old female from the Dominican Republic, referred to as “MINOR B.” During this conversation, Baez-Nova solicited MINOR B to obtain images and videos of “little kids” engaged in sexual conduct in exchange for money.

On August 27, 2020, Baez-Nova distributed child pornography to MINOR B. The following day, he distributed child pornography of MINOR A to MINOR B.

Sentencing and Penalties

Baez-Nova faces severe penalties for his crimes. The charge of sexual exploitation of children carries a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years and up to 30 years in prison. The charge of distribution of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Each charge also includes a mandatory minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, as well as a fine of up to $250,000. The final sentencing is scheduled for November 17, 2023.

Collaboration and Project Safe Childhood

The successful investigation and prosecution of Baez-Nova’s case were made possible through collaboration between various law enforcement agencies. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy, Christopher DiMenna (Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division), and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox announced the case. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Nashua Police Department, Hillsborough County (N.H.) District Attorney’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations in Boston provided valuable assistance.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in 2006. Project Safe Childhood aims to protect children from exploitation and abuse. It mobilizes federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children and rescue victims. The initiative aligns with the SDGs, particularly Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article discusses the sexual exploitation of children, which is a violation of children’s rights and contributes to gender inequality.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The article highlights the criminal activities of the individual involved and the efforts of law enforcement agencies to bring him to justice.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls – The article addresses the sexual exploitation of children, which includes girls.
• SDG 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children – The article discusses the sexual exploitation of children and the distribution of child pornography.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• No specific indicators are mentioned in the article. However, potential indicators to measure progress towards the identified targets could include the number of cases reported and prosecuted related to sexual exploitation of children, the number of convictions, and the number of victims identified and provided with support services.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: justice.gov

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