A daycare owner in the Bronx has admitted to the heinous acts of child sexual exploitation and the creation of child pornography. Silfredo Castillo Martinez, 34, entered his guilty plea in front of U.S. District Judge Damian Williams, as announced by the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York in a recent press release. This admission of guilt comes two years after the discovery of nearly 10,000 images of child pornography in his Bronx residence.
In a criminal complaint filed on March 10, 2023, it was revealed that between May and July 2018, Martinez engaged in sexually explicit activities with an 11-year-old, capturing these moments on both a camera and his phone. The abuse occurred within the confines of a Bronx daycare facility that Martinez had been operating from July 2015 to May 2022.
Upon executing a search warrant at Martinez’s home on May 3, 2022, law enforcement officers uncovered several electronic devices. These devices contained numerous images and a video of child pornography featuring the minor victim, as stated in the 2023 complaint. In total, approximately 9,800 images of child pornography were found in his possession.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams condemned Martinez’s actions, stating, “Silfredo Castillo Martinez betrayed the trust of parents and abused one of the minor children in his care, forcing the child into sexual acts.” Williams further highlighted the gravity of Martinez’s actions, noting his daily responsibility for children juxtaposed with his possession of a vast collection of child pornography.
Martinez now faces a sentencing that could see him behind bars for a significant period, with a mandatory minimum of 15 years and the possibility of up to 30 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for June 25.
NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell emphasized the critical role of law enforcement in safeguarding the vulnerable from such predatory behaviors. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and the relentless pursuit of justice against those who exploit and harm children.
Patrick Freaney, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the United States Secret Service, also weighed in on the case. He described the charges as a stark betrayal by someone who was entrusted to protect the most vulnerable. Freaney praised the diligent efforts of the investigators and partners involved in the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for bringing Martinez to justice and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting children from harm.