Ecuadorian National Sentenced For Child Pornography Sextortion Scheme

Sunday, April 27, 2025, 6:00 P.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

HARRISBURG, PA.- On Thursday, April 24, 2025, Alvaro Andres Valarezo Sandoval, 35, an Ecuadorian national formerly of Miami, Florida, appeared in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to 360 months in federal prison on two counts of Production of Child Pornography.

     According to Acting U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus and charging documents filed with the District Court, beginning in 2013 and lasting through 2019, Sandoval sexually exploited sex Central Pennsylvania children by deceiving and threatening them into creating and sending him sexually explicit digital images and video files containing sexually explicit conduct.

Sandoval Deceives The Children

     As part of his overall scheme, Sandoval would often build a rapport with the children by showing them affection and then enticing and encouraging them to send digital images and video files of themselves that were sexually provocative and or sexually explicit. If a child attempted to cease the relationship, Sandoval would extort them by threatening to post their explicit images online unless they complied with his demands to continue providing him with sexually explicit content.

Investigators Locate A Total Of At Least 36 Victims

     During the investigation, investigators found at least six victims in Central Pennsylvania and at least 30 others worldwide. During Thursday’s sentencing hearing, one of his victims gave an impassioned statement to Judge Mannion explaining the devastating impact this crime had on her and her family.

     Upon completion of his federal term of imprisonment, Sandoval will face immediate deportation proceedings and will be removed from the United States.