Thurmont Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Child

Baltimore Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Child

Introduction

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has sentenced Jose Alexander Diaz-Rodriguez, a 23-year-old resident of Thurmont, to 18 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a child. Diaz-Rodriguez broke into his neighbor’s home and took sexually explicit photographs of a child. This report highlights the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and emphasizes the importance of combating child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Background

• Diaz-Rodriguez’s sentence includes 25 years of supervised release.
• Upon release, Diaz-Rodriguez must register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) in his places of residence, employment, and study.

Case Details

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron, along with key law enforcement officials.

1. On July 26, 2021, Diaz-Rodriguez unlawfully entered his neighbor’s home while two children, Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2, were sleeping.
2. Diaz-Rodriguez entered the bedroom where Jane Doe 1, an eight-year-old child, was sleeping.
3. He took four sexually explicit photographs of Jane Doe 1 with the intention of creating explicit images.
4. DNA evidence linked Diaz-Rodriguez to the crime.
5. Jane Doe 1’s mother discovered Diaz-Rodriguez in the room and he fled the scene.
6. Diaz-Rodriguez was later apprehended at his residence.
7. A search warrant was executed, leading to the seizure of Diaz-Rodriguez’s cell phone.
8. A forensic examination of the phone revealed over 1,000 files depicting child sexual abuse, including the four images of Jane Doe 1.
9. Diaz-Rodriguez admitted to distributing child sex abuse material on his social media account.

Project Safe Childhood

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006. The initiative aims to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse by coordinating efforts between federal, state, and local authorities. It focuses on locating, apprehending, and prosecuting individuals who exploit children, as well as identifying and rescuing victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. Additionally, resources on internet safety education can be found under the “Resources” tab on the same website.

Recognition and Acknowledgments

United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Thurmont Police Department, Frederick Police Department, and Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office for their dedicated work in investigating and prosecuting this case. Special recognition goes to Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joyce King for their efforts in the federal prosecution.

Conclusion

This report highlights the sentencing of Jose Alexander Diaz-Rodriguez for sexual exploitation of a child. It emphasizes the importance of addressing child sexual exploitation and abuse in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The case was brought under Project Safe Childhood, which aims to protect children and bring offenders to justice. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office and available community resources, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-childhood and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

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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 a child, which is a violation of gender equality and the rights of the child.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The article mentions the sentencing of the perpetrator and the requirement for him to register as a sex offender. This relates to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions.

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

• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls – The article highlights the sexual exploitation of a child, which is a form of violence against a girl.
• Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children – The article discusses the sexual exploitation of a child, which falls under this target.
• Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all – The article mentions the sentencing of the perpetrator, which contributes to promoting the rule of law and equal access to justice.

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

• Indicator for Target 5.2: Number of reported cases of violence and abuse against women and girls – The article reports a specific case of sexual exploitation of a child, which can be considered as a reported case of violence against a girl.
• Indicator for Target 16.2: Number of cases of abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence against children reported and addressed – The article discusses the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrator, indicating that the case has been reported and addressed.
• Indicator for Target 16.3: Number of individuals sentenced for sexual exploitation of children – The article mentions the sentencing of the perpetrator, which can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards this target.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

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Source: justice.gov

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