Orlando Man Sentenced To 22 Years For Producing Child Sex Abuse Images With Infant Victim

Orlando, Florida - U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Leonardo Marino (22, Orlando) to 22 years in federal prison for producing child sex abuse images. The court also ordered Marino to forfeit his smart phone that was seized on the date of his arrest. Marino entered a guilty plea on April 2, 2024.

According to court documents, the Orange County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando initiated an investigation after receiving a report from a witness stating that they had received messages from Marino on social media, which included videos of Marino sexually abusing an infant child at his home. A search warrant for Marino's home and electronic devices was secured and executed. During the search, investigators identified the room and other items that had been captured in the videos depicting Marino's sexual abuse of the child. Forensic examination comparing the items seized from the room to Marino's DNA profile revealed a match. Further, after obtaining and searching Marino's smart phone, OCSO and HSI were able to connect Marino to the social media account utilized to send the videos, as well as trying to block the witness he had messaged.

"This conviction sends a clear message to those who exploit and harm the most vulnerable in our community-you will be held accountable for your actions" said Homeland Security Investigations Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. "This 22-year sentence reflects the gravity of this horrific crime, and through the importance of our law enforcement partnerships, HSI remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting our communities."

This case was investigated by the Orange County Sheriff's Office, Homeland Security Investigations - Orlando, the Winter Park Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sartoian.

This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.