Delano landlord accused of making child pornography
FRESNO – A Delano landlord has been accused of making child pornography. A federal grand jury in Fresno returned a four-count indictment on Thursday charging Jose Hernandez-Velasquez with producing videos and images of children engaging in sexual acts.
Velasquez, 53, has been accused of producing the videos and photos between January 2010 and February 2011. The images show him engaged in sexual acts with victims between the ages of 3 and 14.
According to federal agents, Velasquez committed these acts with tenants of the property he owns in Delano.
“Child pornography victimizes children over and over again, starting with the initial assault and continuing every day for victims of this terrible trade,” said Michael Toms, the local agent in charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Bakersfield.
Velasquez was turned in by his girlfriend, who found the pictures and called the police, agents said.
Hernandez-Velasquez faces a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison, as well as a $250,000 fine for each count, if convicted.
Molestation charges could be pending as well, according to the Department of Justice.
“HSI will continue to work closely with our colleagues here and around the world to ensure that cyberspace affords no protection for those who seek to prey upon and sexually exploit our nation’s children,” Toms said.
