Vegas man sentenced to federal prison after raping friend’s autistic 13-year-old daughter

On February 12, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada released word that a Las Vegas man who repeatedly played the game of “truth or dare” with an autistic girl to entice her to send him sexually explicit photos was sentenced to eight years in federal prison to be followed by lifetime supervised release.

“The defendant in this case exploited a vulnerable victim with special needs,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich.

“The Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative brings together a network of law enforcement partners to protect children from those who would exploit their vulnerabilities and my office will continue to support the cause of keeping children in Nevada safe.”

Fredy Hernandez-Gomez, 32, previously pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Kent J. Dawson.

Hernandez-Gomez admitted that in April 2017, he began exchanging text messages with his friend’s autistic 13-year-old girl daughter. He and the girl would “dare” each other to do various things and he used the “dares” to induce her to comply and to reduce the risk that she would tell her parents.

On May 5, 2017, he texted the girl to send him photos of herself telling her to “be daring,” and “don’t be shy.” They continued to exchange sexually explicit text messages. When the girl sent sexually explicit photos of herself, Hernandez-Gomez texted “I like them” and then “Erase it.” The girl’s parents subsequently discovered the text messages and made a report to the police.

During an interview with law enforcement, Hernandez-Gomez admitted to sending the victim text messages and asking her to send him sexually explicit photos of herself. Hernandez-Gomezadmitted to receiving the sexually explicit photos he requested.

The Las Vegas Sun reported that Hernandez-Gomez was sentenced to eight years in federal prison for the receipt of child pornography. 

During the police investigation, the minor victim reported that Hernandez-Gomez also sexually abused her.

Following that revelation from the child, Hernandez-Gomez pleaded guilty to one count of attempted sexual assault. Hernandez-Gomez should receive an additional eight to 20 years tacked on to his prison term at a future sentencing hearing, according to The Sun.

If you have information regarding possible child sexual exploitation, you are urged to make a report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at www.cybertipline.org.

(Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Nevada)

~ Posted by: Richard Webster, Ace News Today   /   Connect with Richard on Facebook and Twitter