Bronx Man Charged With Production, Distribution, And Possession Of Child Pornography

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of a Complaint charging DERICK COLON with producing, distributing, and possessing child pornography.  COLON was presented Monday, January 22 before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Derick Colon’s alleged conduct is horrific and deeply disturbing.  Colon was entrusted to care for his daughter, but instead, as alleged, Colon violated that trust by filming himself performing heinous sex acts against her and other minors and distributing those videos through social media.  Investigating and prosecuting those who sexually exploit children is of paramount importance to this Office, and we will work around the clock to protect the children in our community.”

FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “The alleged actions of Derick Colon are depraved and beyond disturbing.  Parents should nurture and protect a child, not subject them to extreme sexual exploitation and abuse.  Colon now faces severe punishment for his alleged inexcusable crimes.  The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force will continue to do whatever it takes to protect the most vulnerable members of society—our children—from predators, no matter who they are.” 

According to the allegations in the Complaint:[1]

On or about January 19, 2024, COLON shared videos with another individual on a social networking application that allows users to exchange private messages and send photos and videos to others within the network.  The videos depict COLON engaged in sexually explicit conduct with a minor who appears to be approximately six to eight years old (“Victim-1”).

On or about January 21, 2024, law enforcement officials executed a judicially authorized search warrant at a known residence of COLON.  Upon entering the residence, law enforcement officials observed COLON sitting on the couch beside a girl who appeared to be approximately four years old (“Victim-2”).  COLON stated that Victim-2 was his daughter.

Law enforcement officials seized COLON’s cellphone pursuant to the search warrant and discovered approximately 12 additional videos of COLON sexually abusing a minor who appears to be Victim-2.  Following his arrest and after waiving his Miranda rights, COLON stated, in sum and substance, that he “messed up” and that he had sexually abused Victim-2.

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COLON, 24, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of production of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, and one count of distribution of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  COLON is further charged with possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The minimum and maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the efforts of the FBI and the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”) for their outstanding work on this matter, particularly the FBI-NYPD New York Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.  Mr. Williams also thanked the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for their assistance.  He added that the investigation is ongoing.  

Any individuals who believe they have information that may be relevant to this investigation should contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov.

The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Stone is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.