Oklahoma City

OKC DACA Resident Indicted After Feds Trace Child Abuse Images To Chat Groups

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Published on July 09, 2026
OKC DACA Resident Indicted After Feds Trace Child Abuse Images To Chat GroupsSource: Wikipedia/Michael Coghlan from Adelaide, Australia, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Federal prosecutors say an Oklahoma City man is facing serious prison time after investigators traced child sexual abuse images and videos to an online chat profile tied to him.

Silvio Ramirez‑Lopez, 38, was indicted on federal child pornography charges on Tuesday, July 7, according to prosecutors. Homeland Security agents identified a user profile on a chat application that investigators say held child sexual abuse material, and prosecutors allege Ramirez‑Lopez was participating in multiple group chats where that material was exchanged. He was arrested May 28 in Oklahoma City and now faces federal counts of receipt and possession of child pornography that carry potential sentences ranging from five to 40 years in prison and fines of up to $500,000.

How the Indictment Came Down

As reported by News 9, U.S. Attorney Robert Troester announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Ramirez‑Lopez with receipt of child pornography and possession of material containing child pornography. According to that report, Homeland Security agents first identified the online profile, and Ramirez‑Lopez is described as a 38‑year‑old Mexican national living in Oklahoma through Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). He was taken into custody on May 28, and the indictment was formally filed on July 7.

What the Charges Carry

Federal law does not treat these offenses lightly. The Department of Justice explains that first‑time convictions for receipt or distribution of child sexual abuse material typically carry a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and can run up to 20 years, with higher penalties available when statutory enhancements apply in aggravated cases. Prosecutors in the Ramirez‑Lopez case say he faces between five and 40 years and potential fines of up to $500,000 if convicted, an exposure that can reflect multiple counts or sentencing enhancements.

Investigation And What Happens Next

Per News 9, prosecutors allege Ramirez‑Lopez belonged to at least six group chats that shared child sexual abuse material, though authorities have not publicly identified any victims linked to the case. The prosecution will move forward in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, where future hearings and filings will be scheduled by the court as the case progresses. Anyone with relevant information in cases like this is typically urged to contact federal law enforcement or the U.S. Attorney’s Office overseeing the matter.