United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced on May 11 that Bryan Cruz Solano has been charged with sexual exploitation of a minor. Cruz Solano was arrested on May 9 and presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo in Manhattan federal court. He was ordered detained pending trial by U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas, with the next court date set for May 12.
The case is significant due to the nature and seriousness of the allegations, which involve both abuse and the distribution of child pornography material involving a minor victim.
“As alleged, Bryan Cruz Solano sexually abused a 12-year-old child and, even more disgusting, recorded that abuse in order to trade it for other child pornography,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “We have heard it clear and strong from all New Yorkers, particularly New York families: Use all available resources to get sexual predators off our streets. And New Yorkers should know, predators often act with others, and we are committed to destroying these child sexual abuse networks. Help us if you can. Be vigilant. There may be additional victims in this case. If you have information to report about this or any other matter of child sexual abuse, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or https://tips.fbi.gov.”
According to allegations in the complaint, an individual reported on May 1 that Cruz Solano had sent them videos depicting himself engaging in sexual acts with a minor referred to as Victim-1 via electronic messaging platforms such as Snapchat and Telegram. Law enforcement subsequently took control of communications between Witness-1 and Cruz Solano during their investigation.
A search warrant executed at Cruz Solano’s residence led officers to recover his cellphone containing video recordings involving Victim-1 performing acts at his direction. During an interview with law enforcement officers, Cruz Solano admitted engaging in sex acts with Victim-1 approximately twenty-five times over the past year—including recording some incidents—and sending those recordings electronically.
Cruz Solano is charged with one count of sexual exploitation of a child; this charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years in prison and a maximum sentence of thirty years if convicted by judge determination under statutory guidelines set by Congress.
Clayton praised several agencies involved including FBI task forces from both Hudson Valley and New Haven divisions as well as local police departments from New York State Police Computer Crimes Unit – Troop F through Hartford Police Department for their roles during investigation efforts into this matter.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony P. Ferrara from the Office’s White Plains Division.
