A federal grand jury has indicted Kleider Enrique Garcia Ochoa, a 30-year-old Venezuelan national, on charges of attempted enticement of a minor and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Ellison C. Travis. Ochoa, who is present in the United States without authorization, appeared for his arraignment and pleaded not guilty.
The indictment alleges that on or about March 31, 2025, Ochoa used social media applications under the name “Conociendo” to try to persuade someone he believed was a 15-year-old male in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to engage in an illegal sexual relationship. He is also accused of sending obscene material to the supposed minor.
If convicted, Ochoa faces a minimum sentence of ten years and up to life imprisonment. Additional penalties include a fine of up to $250,000, supervised release for up to life, and sex offender registration requirements. Following any sentence served, he would be subject to removal or deportation from the United States.
The investigation is being conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Edward H. Warner and Special Assistant United States Attorney Allen Ross are prosecuting the case.
According to the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative—which began in May 2006—federal resources are coordinated with state and local agencies to combat child sexual exploitation online and identify victims. More information about this program can be found at http://www.justice.gov/psc.
This prosecution also falls under Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at using Department of Justice resources against illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations through programs like Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Authorities remind that an indictment is only an accusation; Ochoa is presumed innocent until proven guilty at trial or through a guilty plea.
