A 20-year-old Hartford man is facing federal charges after investigators say he sexually abused a 12-year-old in Middletown, New York, and recorded the assaults on video. Federal authorities arrested Bryan Cruz Solano on May 9, and he is being held pending trial.
Investigation and Arrest
The investigation kicked off on May 1, when the New York State Police Computer Crimes Unit at Troop F received information that Cruz Solano had distributed child sexual abuse material, including videos that allegedly documented the abuse, according to the New York State Police. On May 8, investigators executed search warrants at his current residence in Hartford and his former residence in Middletown, where they seized multiple electronic devices that authorities say contained exploitative material.
What Prosecutors Say Happened
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan say at least one of the videos was sent to another person, who then alerted law enforcement. Investigators later took over a witness’s Telegram account to communicate directly with Cruz Solano, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. Court filings state that Cruz Solano admitted to engaging in sexual acts with the 12-year-old roughly 25 times over the past year and to recording some of those encounters.
Charges, Custody, and Possible Sentence
Cruz Solano is charged with one count of sexual exploitation of a child and was arraigned in Manhattan federal court, where a judge ordered him held pending trial, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York said. Prosecutors cautioned, “There may be other victims,” and noted that the charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a statutory maximum of 30 years.
How to Report Tips
Authorities are urging anyone with information, or anyone who believes they may be a victim, to call New York State Police Middletown at (845) 344-5300 and reference case number NY2600587421. Tips can also be submitted to the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or by filing online, according to the New York State Police. Officials say the investigation has involved the FBI New Haven Child Exploitation Task Force and Orange County child-abuse units.
Part of a Wider Crackdown
The case lands in the middle of a broader national push against online child sexual exploitation. A recent multi-agency sweep known as Operation Iron Pursuit led to hundreds of arrests and more than 200 identified child victims in April, highlighting how federal and local task forces are teaming up on these cases, according to the FBI.
