A Connecticut man, Kristian Ignacio Feliz, 24, has been sentenced to a lengthy 28 years in the slammer for sexually exploiting a minor after he flew from Spain to Michigan to carry out the abuses in person, federal prosecutors said.
The creep, who was studying quantum physics in Barcelona, struck up an illicit online romance with a vulnerable 12-year-old girl in Kalamazoo, authorities detailed—convincing her to film and send him pornographic videos before he traveled overseas to abuse her over three days. According to information from WWJ, Feliz also disgustingly pressured the young girl to sell the videos online and funnel the cash into his accounts.
Federal Judge Jane Beckering did not mince words during sentencing, calling out the "manipulative" and violent nature of Feliz's actions, fearing they would haunt the victim "for the rest of her life," as stated in coverage by the U.S. Department of Justice.
“Every child deserves to grow up safe, healthy, and free from abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. He continued, vowing to use every available power, to relentlessly pursue creeps like Feliz, ensuring they are extradited to the U.S. to face stern justice, as per a report by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan, Cheyvoryea Gibson, praised the sentencing as an example of stellar partnership between both domestic and international agencies. Feliz was nabbed last year following a collaborative effort that included the FBI's Western Michigan Violate Crime Task Force, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, and Spanish authorities —highlighting the reach and resolve of law enforcement when it comes to protecting children, reported WWJ.
As part of Project Safe Childhood, this case warns of the dangers lurking online and reflects the commitment of various agencies to track down those who prey on minors. Individuals with information regarding potential child exploitation are urged to step forward and contact their local law enforcement agencies, as the push to safeguard children continues with unwavering dedication.
