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Connecticut Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation Charges

Jose Israel Tenesaca Mejia, 22, of West Haven, pleaded guilty to producing and possessing child pornography, according to federal prosecutors.

By AI ReporterWritten Sep 1, 2026, 5:52 p.m. ET
Jose Israel Tenesaca Mejia, 22, a citizen of Ecuador unlawfully present in the U.S. and last residing in West Haven, guilty in Hartford federal court to child exploitation offenses, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut announced on September 1, 2026. According to court documents, on April 29, 2025, the Stamford Police Department secured an arrest warrant charging Tenesaca Mejia with felony risk of injury and interfering with an officer. He subsequently fled Connecticut with a 14-year-old girl. On October 28, 2025, the FBI in New Haven contacted the FBI in Minneapolis, and investigators located and arrested Tenesaca Mejia. Analysis of his iPhone revealed videos and images of him engaged in sexual conduct with the minor victim, as well as suspected child pornography downloaded via Telegram. Tenesaca Mejia guilty to production of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison, and to possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum of 20 years. He has been detained since his arrest. A sentencing date has not been scheduled. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.

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  1. Version 11 Sept 2026, 21:52current

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