Philadelphia Man Pleads Guilty in Child Exploitation Case

Admission in Federal Court Reveals Exploitation of Minor in Camden County

CAMDEN, NJ – Francisco Andres-Medina, a 33-year-old Philadelphia resident, has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the exploitation of a minor. In a hearing before Chief U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb in Camden federal court, Andres-Medina admitted to receipt of child pornography and transferring obscene material to a minor, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

The charges stem from incidents in March and April 2020, during which Andres-Medina engaged in online communication with a 15-year-old victim from Camden County, New Jersey. Despite being aware of the victim's age, Andres-Medina transmitted obscene images of himself and coerced the minor into producing and sending sexually explicit videos and images. Furthermore, he instructed the minor to record and send a video of sexual activity with another individual.

The gravity of Andres-Medina's offenses is underscored by the severe penalties they carry: a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison for the receipt of child pornography, and up to 10 years in prison for transferring obscene material to a minor. Each count also comes with a potential fine of up to $250,000. The sentencing is scheduled for June 26, 2024, when the full consequences of these actions will be determined.

This case was brought to light through the diligent efforts of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, led by Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso, and the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes and Special Victims Units, headed by Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay. Their collaboration was pivotal in securing today's guilty plea.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey Bender and Josephine Park represent the government in this case, underscoring the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to prosecuting individuals who exploit minors. This plea serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to protect children from sexual exploitation and bring perpetrators to justice.