An alarming story emerged from the state of California, where a babysitter was arrested for allegedly sexually abusing and exploiting an eight-month-old child. Michelle Hidalgo, the suspect, is said to have an online profile where she sells images of minors, even receiving payments from Internet users to perform more derogatory acts.
Local sources reported that Hidalgo promoted the girl’s photos online. Users ask him to perform certain actions for the child and pay for the documentation of such actions. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed formal charges against Hidalgo for “production and distribution of child pornography.”
Michelle Hidalgo’s profile Hidalgo’s personal information is withheld by authorities. However, it is known that he works as a babysitter, which allows him to access his victims and start abusing them to satisfy the demands of his online buyers. Aside from the child, there are reports that Hidalgo also abused other children in his care, including a 10-year-old girl. Authorities are still investigating and suspect there may be more victims.
Police officers conducted inspections of Hidalgo’s residence in search of evidence linking him to heinous crimes. Hidalgo admitted to sharing the images with minors but downplayed his actions, describing them as a “stupid mistake” made only once.
Discovery and Detention During the investigation, it was revealed that Hidalgo shared pictures with an unknown man, who reportedly demanded specific sexual acts involving the child. It is suspected that evidence of these crimes may be found in Hidalgo’s iCloud account.
Authorities were alerted to this abuse by complainants on social networks who shared Hidalgo’s profile, accusing him of distributing child pornography. The suspect currently remains in custody and, if convicted, could face up to 60 years in prison. The bail set for his release is $2.7 million.
