Brevard county convicted child predator arrested on federal child pornography charges

ORLANDO, Fla. - A Palm Bay man was arrested Friday on a criminal complaint for distribution and possession of child pornography following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Brevard County Sheriff's Office.

Rafael Gonzalez, 51, was temporarily detained after his initial appearance, pending indictment charges. Gonzalez was identified as a registered sex offender in Florida, following his conviction in Brevard County for sexual battery on a child in 2004. If indicted on distribution and possession of child pornography, Gonzalez will face a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 40 years in federal prison for each count of distribution of child pornography and a $250,000 fine. Additionally, he will face a minimum of 10 years, up to a maximum of 20 years, in federal prison and a $250,000 fine for possession of child pornography.

This case is part of Operation Predator, an ICE-led initiative to protect children from sexual predators, including those who travel overseas for sex with minors, Internet child pornographers, criminal alien sex offenders, and child sex traffickers. Individuals with information about suspected child predators are encouraged to call 1-866-DHS-2ICE.

ICE encourages the public to report suspected child predators by calling at 1-866-DHS-2ICE. For more information, visit www.ice.gov.