Baltimore City Wire

A federal grand jury has indicted Juan Carlos Puente, 46, from Clinton, Maryland, on multiple charges related to child exploitation. The announcement was made by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, alongside Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI's Baltimore Field Office.

The indictment includes seven counts against Puente for activities occurring between October 1, 2021, and April 22, 2022. These charges involve enticing a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity and producing child pornography. Additionally, Puente is accused of traveling outside the United States to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor victim and possessing sexually explicit images involving minors under the age of 12 as recently as January 9, 2024.

Puente faces two counts of production of child pornography, one count of attempted production of child pornography, one count each for travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and engaging in such conduct abroad, one count of coercion and enticement of a minor, and one count of possession of child pornography.

If convicted on these charges, Puente could face significant prison time: a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years up to 90 years for production-related offenses; at least ten years up to life for coercion and enticement; up to 30 years for travel-related offenses; and up to 20 years for possession charges involving minors under twelve.

Federal sentences are typically less than maximum penalties due to considerations like U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after reviewing statutory factors.

An indictment is not proof of guilt; those charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty through legal proceedings.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood—an initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. It involves collaboration among federal, state, and local resources to prosecute offenders while identifying victims.

Individuals with information that might assist law enforcement are encouraged to contact the FBI Baltimore Field Office at (410) 265-8080.

U.S. Attorney Barron acknowledged the FBI's efforts in this investigation and expressed gratitude towards Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan S. McKoy along with Trial Attorney Jessica L. Urban from the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section who are prosecuting this case.

For further details about Project Safe Childhood or community outreach initiatives by Maryland’s U.S Attorney’s Office visit their official websites provided above.