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Fresno Man Charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Other Crimes

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A federal grand jury indicted Ray Anthony Waller, 37, of Fresno, on charges of sexual exploitation of a child, receipt of child sexual abuse images, and sending obscene material to a minor. According to court documents, Waller communicated with a minor between November 2024 and February 2025, sending text, voice, and iMessages to have the minor create and transmit images of themselves in sexually explicit conduct. Waller has been detained pending trial and faces significant prison time if convicted.

Key Takeaways:

  • Waller was charged with three counts: sexual exploitation of a child, receipt of child sexual abuse images, and sending obscene material to a minor.
  • The investigation was led by the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, specifically the Fresno Police Department, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations.
  • Waller has also been charged in Fresno County Superior Court with related crimes.
  • The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.
  • Waller faces significant prison time if convicted, including up to 30 years for the sexual exploitation of a minor offense and up to 10 years for transmitting obscene material to a minor.
  • An assistant U.S. attorney, David L. Gappa, is prosecuting the case.
  • Waller's detention hearing is scheduled for June 30, 2025.

Statistics:

  • 37, the age of the defendant, Ray Anthony Waller.
  • 15-30 years, the prison term Waller faces if convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor.
  • 5-20 years, the prison term Waller faces if convicted of receipt of child sexual abuse images.
  • 10 years, the prison term Waller faces if convicted of transmitting obscene material to a minor.
  • $250,000, the maximum fine Waller faces per charge.
  • 1, the number of convictions Waller faces on each charge.

Sources:

  • Office of United States Attorneys
  • Fresno Police Department
  • Homeland Security Investigations
  • Project Safe Childhood (www.usdoj.gov/psc)

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