A collaboration between the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and local law enforcement has resulted in a lengthy prison sentence for a man involved in an attempted exploitation case. Francisco Alvarez-Tello, 28, from Ocala, Florida, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison on April 1, after pleading guilty in October of last year.
The investigation by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), alongside the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, unveiled Alvarez-Tello’s efforts to lure a 13-year-old child into sexual activity. In July 2024, Alvarez-Tello engaged with an undercover officer posing as a minor on a dating app. He detailed his intentions and was arrested upon arrival at a pre-arranged rendezvous point. A firearm was discovered in his vehicle, and he admitted during questioning that he was attempting to engage in what he described as a “freaky Friday.”
ICE Homeland Security Investigations Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti emphasized the commitment of HSI and its partners in fighting the misuse of social media platforms for exploitative purposes. He stated: “HSI and our law enforcement partners are continually monitoring and combating the dangerous misuse of social media that puts our children at risk,” adding that they are “steadfast in our mission to safeguard children from predators who exploit them for their perverse desires.”
This case, handled by multiple law enforcement agencies, was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Belkis H. Callaos.
