A Ross man accused of sexually exploiting children pled guilty in federal court, U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti announced Tuesday.
Ralph Talerico, 45, pled guilty to three counts before Chief U.S. District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
According to Rivetti’s office, Talerico, from June through July 2023, produced videos of two children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and on June 6, 2024, possessed videos and still images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, some under the age of 12.
A federal grand jury indicted Talerico in October 2024.
Bissoon scheduled Rivetti’s sentencing for June 16. He faces 15 to 30 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.