LOS ANGELES, CA – A man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for distributing child pornography through Instagram. Alejandro Garcia Aranda specifically targeted girls from schools in the San Fernando Valley, using social media to advertise and sell explicit images.
Alejandro Garcia Aranda, 28, pleaded guilty in November 2024 to one count of distribution of child pornography after being charged in June of the same year. According to court documents, Aranda operated an Instagram account under the handle “valleyhoezzz818,” where he advertised and shared explicit images of minors, many of whom were students at local schools.
Prosecutors revealed that Aranda specifically targeted girls from schools in the San Fernando Valley, using the platform to distribute the illicit material to multiple buyers. Several victims later discovered that Aranda was selling or advertising their images without their consent. When confronted and asked to remove the photos, Aranda allegedly threatened to post additional images unless the victims sent him more explicit content.
U.S. District Judge John A. Kronstadt handed down the 10-year prison sentence and ordered Aranda to pay $45,000 in restitution to 15 identified victims. The judge emphasized the severity of the crime and the lasting impact on the victims, stating that the sentence reflects the need to hold offenders accountable for exploiting vulnerable individuals.
The case highlights the growing concern over the use of social media platforms to facilitate crimes involving child exploitation. Authorities have urged parents and guardians to monitor their children’s online activity and report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement.
Aranda’s sentencing marks the conclusion of a case that has drawn significant attention to the dangers of online exploitation and the importance of safeguarding minors in digital spaces. He will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
