Miami Child Photographer Charged with Distribution and Possession of Child Pornography

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; and John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, announced the filing of three-count indictment charging defendant Diego Tobias Matrajt, 36, of Miami, with distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(2) and 2252(a)(4)(B). Matrajt has been released on bond. If convicted, Matrajt faces a mandatory statutory minimum sentence of five years and a possible maximum statutory sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

According to the affidavit in support of a previously filed criminal complaint, Matrajt distributed 10 images of child pornography to an undercover agent using a peer-to-peer file sharing program on February 16, 2012. During a subsequent search of Matrajt’s residence in late April 2012, law enforcement agents seized several computers and digital media. A preliminary search of one of Matrajt’s computers revealed approximately 50 webcam videos of children under the age of 12 in various stages of undress. Matrajt, who operates a child photography business at his residence, has admitted to surreptitiously video-recording children under the age of 12 as the children changed clothes in a guest bedroom during photo shoots.

Anyone with any information about this case should contact the FBI at (305) 944-9101.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Project Safe Childhood was launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisa Castrolugo.

An indictment is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.