Carlos Fredy Granados, a 35-year-old man living illegally in Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges related to the sexual exploitation of a child. After serving his sentence, Granados will be subject to lifetime supervised release and deportation from the United States.
Court records state that between May and August 2023, Granados abused and sexually exploited a 15-year-old girl who was under his care. He produced images and videos documenting the abuse. The case came to light on October 28, 2023, when officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) responded to a report of child sexual abuse. A witness had found explicit images and videos of the minor on Granados’ phone.
A search of Granados’ devices uncovered twelve sexually explicit videos and sixteen images involving the victim, some showing both her and Granados together. The material was recorded at their shared home and at a hotel. Investigators also discovered messages between Granados and the victim discussing their relationship and exchanging explicit content.
“Carlos Granados’ crimes are among the most heinous we encounter, and his conviction underscores our commitment to removing the most violent and predatory illegal immigrants from our communities,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana “Consistent with Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Operation Restore Justice Initiative, we will continue to prioritize prosecutions that protect our children and uphold the rule of law.”
“This sentence shows that child sexual predators will be held accountable and punished for their heinous crimes preying on innocent victims. The U.S. Secret Service is committed to protecting innocent victims from criminals who seek to sexually exploit them,” said Ike Barnes, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Indianapolis Field Office. “Thank you to the Indianapolis Metro Police Department, Secret Service personnel and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana for their work on this case and bringing justice for this victim.”
The investigation was led by IMPD officers alongside agents from the U.S. Secret Service. U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young handed down Granados’ sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany J. Preston prosecuted this case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation by coordinating efforts among federal, state, and local agencies.
Victims or those aware of child exploitation are encouraged to contact local police departments or visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/project-safe-childhood for support resources.
