Carlos Arturo Aparicio Hernandez, also known as Raiza Daniela Yasira Aparicio Hernandez, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting a minor. The 40-year-old Taylorsville resident posed as a minor female on Facebook and communicated with a 14-year-old child, convincing the victim to send sexually explicit images. He later used those images to extort further material from the victim.
U.S. District Court Judge David Barlow imposed a sentence of 360 months’ imprisonment followed by a lifetime of supervised release.
Court documents show that starting April 29, 2022, Aparicio Hernandez used an iPhone and iPad to pose as a young girl on Facebook and communicate with the teenage victim over several months. He arranged two meetings with the teen where illegal sexual activity occurred, producing and storing images of these encounters on his devices. Investigators also found sexually explicit photos of other minors on his electronic devices.
“Aparicio Hernandez is a danger to the children in our communities and elsewhere,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah. “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims-especially child victims, who are the most vulnerable among us. His 30-year sentence is a stern reminder that we will track down, arrest and prosecute child predators.”
West Valley City Police Chief Colleen Jacobs commented: “Protecting our community’s most vulnerable is our highest priority. This sentence sends a clear message: anyone who uses social media to prey on children will be found, stopped, and held accountable.”
Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI stated: “This predator’s actions were deliberate, manipulative, and devastating. The FBI will continue to stand with our law enforcement partners to protect children, safeguard our communities, and ensure predators face the strongest consequences possible.”
The investigation was conducted by the West Valley City Police Department and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office. Assistant United States Attorney Carol A. Dain prosecuted the case.
This prosecution was part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006—to combat child sexual exploitation online through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local agencies.
