Ricardo Gutierrez, a 28-year-old resident of Red Bluff, has entered a guilty plea to one count of sexual exploitation of a child. This was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith.
Court documents reveal that in April 2024, Gutierrez created two videos featuring four prepubescent children, including a toddler, engaged in sexually explicit conduct. He recorded these videos through Facebook Messenger.
The investigation began when a woman contacted law enforcement after receiving an unsolicited photograph from Gutierrez on the Tinder dating app. The photo depicted a clothed minor female approximately 6-8 years old and was accompanied by emojis. Gutierrez’s messages included inquiries about young girls and neighbors. He also sent the woman a video showing an adult male involved in sexually explicit conduct with a minor female aged approximately 5-8 years.
Between November 2023 and July 2024, Gutierrez distributed numerous child sexual abuse images and videos via Telegram, WhatsApp, and iMessage. These included footage involving an infant. Authorities found over 4,800 files depicting child sexual abuse on his phone.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to this case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Whitnee Goins.
Gutierrez’s sentencing is set for September 12, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins. He faces up to 30 years in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, lifetime supervised release, restitution, and a $250,000 fine. The final sentence will be determined based on statutory factors and Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to address child sexual exploitation and abuse. It combines federal, state, and local resources to prosecute offenders and rescue victims. More information can be found at www.usdoj.gov/psc under the “resources” tab for internet-safety education.
