Merced County man faces federal charges for child pornography, US Department of Justice says
A Merced County man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for receiving and distributing child pornography, the United States Department of Justice announced recently.
Joel Damian Ortega, 35, of Merced, was indicted on Oct. 31, on two counts charging him with the receipt and distribution of child pornography, according to United States Attorney Philip A. Talbert.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said that documents indicate Ortega used a Samsung Galaxy smartphone to receive and distribute at least one visual depiction of a child engaged in sexually explicit conduct between Jan. 27, 2024 and July 7, 2024. Additionally, on April 2, 2024, authorities said Ortega used an iPhone to receive at least one visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, according to the release.
Ortega could face a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of five years and up to a $250,000 fine for each charge if convicted, according to authorities. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany M. Gunter is protecting that case which is a result of an FBI investigation.
