A Miami man was sentenced to 27 years in prison for soliciting sexually explicit videos and images from a 14-year-old in Cuba, prosecutors announced Tuesday.
Ariel Espinosa, 63, pleaded guilty to attempted production and transportation of child sexual abuse material, also known as CSAM, and was sentenced to 324 months in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Florida.
“Ariel Espinosa knew his victim was only 14 years old, yet he repeatedly paid and directed the child to create sexually explicit material for his gratification,” U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones said. “His conduct was calculated, exploitative, and profoundly cruel. This 27-year sentence holds him accountable and sends a clear message that those who prey on children, whether here or abroad, will face severe consequences.”
Back in August 2025, law enforcement found hundreds of images and videos of CSAM on Espinosa’s phone after he arrived at Miami International Airport on a flight from Holguin, Cuba, officials said.
Law enforcement also found communications from Espinosa repeatedly soliciting sexually explicit videos from the teen victim, despite knowing they were underage, officials said. He also directed the teen to create CSAM in exchange for payment.