Jackson teen pleads not guilty to sexual exploitation of children

JACKSON (WNE) — A Jackson teen has pleaded not guilty to five separate charges of sexual exploitation of children.

Giovanni Hernandez Perez, 18, appeared before Teton County District Judge Melissa Owens for his arraignment Tuesday.

He was brought into custody in October after Teton County Circuit Court issued a felony arrest warrant following an internet crimes investigation in the spring by the Teton County Sheriff’s Office, according to court documents.

Charges reflect five separate video files of child sexual abuse content that authorities say they found on Hernandez Perez’s phone. Each felony count could mean up to 10 years in prison, $10,000 in fines or both.

Teton County law enforcement received a “cybertip” regarding child sexual abuse content on May 14 from the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, according to an affidavit written by Detective Adam Rainey.

Deputy Dustin Richards was assigned to the case and discovered the cybertip originated from the social media app Snapchat.

Following further investigation, a search and seizure warrant was granted to the Sheriff’s Office for Hernandez Perez’s phone and other electronic devices.

According to court documents, multiple photos and videos of child sexual abuse content were found on the phone before and after the defendant turned 18 this year.

Rainey described “a continuing pattern” of seeking out and downloading child pornography with the phone containing many more pictures and videos than were listed in his affidavit.

Hernandez Perez’ trial is set for May 27. State attorneys expect it to last four days.

Until then, Hernandez Perez is ordered to appear for all court dates, not break any laws, notify the court of any changes in address or employment, maintain employment and surrender his passport and visas while he awaits trial. He’s also been ordered to avoid all daycare and K-12 facilities and park and recreation facilities.

This story was published on December 11, 2024.