Warden man gets 15 years for child porn, gun offenses

SPOKANE — A Warden man will be spending time in federal prison for possessing child pornography.

Alfredo Mendoza, 34, of Warden, previously pled guilty to production of child pornography and felon in possession of a firearm in late August. United States District Judge Salvador Mendoza Jr. sentenced Mendoza to 15 years in federal prison, which will be followed up by 10 years of court ordered supervision after he is released. Mendoza will also be required to register as a sex offender.

Mendoza’s sentence dates back to November 2015, when he was under investigation for his potential involvement in gang-related drive-by-shootings around Grant County. Police received a search warrant for Mendoza’s residence and recovered a loaded 9mm revolver in his bedroom. The gun was found to have Mendoza’s thumbprint on it, according to assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Harrington.

Mendoza’s cellphone was seized from his bedroom as well, which was examined after police received a search warrant to search for evidence on the gang-related shootings in the county. Police discovered several images of child pornography on the phone and obtained an additional search warrant.

The investigation into the images revealed Mendoza directed an underage girl to take pornographic photos of herself and send them to him via text message. In addition, Mendoza created video of sexual acts between himself and the girl. A few of the videos were filmed in Mendoza’s bedroom and he can reportedly be seen setting up the camera in one of the videos. The girl was identified as a family friend. He reportedly knew the girl was a minor.

The investigation was conducted by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

“This case is a superb example of the excellent work that can be accomplished when state and federal law enforcement work together,” U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington Michael C. Ormsby said. “I commend the Grant County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Today’s (Tuesday’s) sentence should serve as a warning that child pornography and firearm offenses.”

During the sentencing hearing Judge Mendoza reiterated the fact that the girl “was a child” and he was troubled by “the manner in which (Mendoza) manipulated her.” The judge told Mendoza, “you created this and now you have the ability to change.”