ORLANDO, Fla. – An Orlando man has been sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for producing child sex abuse images in his home with an infant victim following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando.
Leonardo Marino, 22, of Orlando, was also ordered to forfeit his smart phone that was seized on the date of his arrest. Marino entered a guilty plea on April 2, 2024.
“This conviction sends a clear message to those who exploit and harm the most vulnerable in our community—you will be held accountable for your actions” said Homeland Security Investigations Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “This 22-year sentence reflects the gravity of this horrific crime, and through the importance of our law enforcement partnerships, HSI remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting our communities.”
According to court documents, HSI Orlando and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) initiated an investigation after receiving a report from a witness stating that they had received messages from Marino on social media, which included videos of Marino sexually abusing an infant child at his home. A search warrant for Marino’s home and electronic devices was secured and executed. During the search, investigators identified the room and other items that had been captured in the videos depicting Marino’s sexual abuse of the child. Forensic examination comparing the items seized from the room to Marino’s DNA profile revealed a match. Further, after obtaining and searching Marino’s smart phone, investigators were able to connect Marino to the social media account utilized to send the videos, as well as trying to block the witness he had messaged.
This case was investigated by HSI Orlando, the OCSO, the Winter Park Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Sartoian.
To report any information about human trafficking, child sexual abuse, or the trafficking in child sexual abuse material contact the HSI Tip Line at 1-877-4-HSI-TIP, or report it through the CyberTipline on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's website.
The HSI Tampa area of responsibility, which includes ten geographically strategic offices, covers more than 51,600 square miles of the total 65,757 square miles in the state of Florida. This region has more than 14.2 million people and includes 58 of the 67 counties. HSI Tampa also includes five of the ten largest cities in Florida, 15 primary commercial service airports, and 11 seaports.
Learn more about HSI Tampa’s mission to increase public safety in Florida communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSITampa.