In a disturbing case involving the production and distribution of child pornography, Dilicia Aguirre-Orellana, a 23-year-old woman from Yonkers, and Jonathan Rivera, a 34-year-old Brooklyn man, have recently entered guilty pleas. The pair’s arrest occurred in February 2022, with legal proceedings set to unfold in the coming months.
Aguirre-Orellana is scheduled for sentencing in July 2024, while Rivera is due to face sentencing this April. The charges against them, announced by Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, include the production, receipt, and distribution of child pornography. Additionally, Aguirre-Orellana faces a charge of child pornography possession.
“Unfathomable Depravity”
The criminal complaint, filed on February 28, 2022, details how Rivera communicated with Aguirre-Orellana and convinced her to produce explicit videos involving her four-year-old child. The videos were then sent to Rivera via a social media messaging application. The investigation involved collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
Following the duo’s arrest, Williams expressed the gravity of the situation.
“Allegedly at the behest of Jonathan Rivera, Dilicia Aguirre-Orellana is accused of one of the most heinous acts imaginable–the sexual assault of prepubescent children–including the sexual abuse and video recording of her four-year-old son.”
At the time, FBI Assistant Director Michael J. Driscoll further emphasized the severity of the charges against Rivera, stating:
The level of depravity alleged in the charges filed today against Mr. Rivera are nearly unfathomable.
Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah also stressed the importance of prosecuting those who prey upon and sexually exploit children.
Charges Carry Serious Consequences
Both defendants face significant consequences if convicted. Aguirre-Orellana faces charges that carry a mandatory minimum of 5 years to 40 years in prison. For his role, Rivera could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years to life in prison.
This case underscores the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies at various levels. These included the Yonkers Police Department, Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, and FBI working to ensure the safety of vulnerable victims. As the legal proceedings continue, authorities urge anyone with information about potential victims to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
