KUNKLETOWN, PA — A 46-year-old Monroe County man will spend over two decades in federal prison after admitting to producing and possessing child pornography, including images he created depicting himself sexually abusing children as young as 10 years old.

Ivan Nicholas Baez of Kunkletown was sentenced to 262 months in federal prison on October 23 by U.S. District Judge Julia K. Munley in Scranton, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Investigation Uncovered Horrific Abuse

The investigation that led to Baez’s conviction began when Pennsylvania State Police obtained a search warrant in May 2024 to seize and examine Baez’s cell phone. Forensic analysis of the device revealed approximately 150 images and videos of child sexual abuse material.

Most disturbing, investigators discovered that some of the images had been created on Baez’s own phone, showing him engaging in sexual acts with minors. U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller confirmed that Baez had served as a caretaker to at least one of the child victims, representing a profound betrayal of trust.

Production Charges Carry Severe Penalties

Federal prosecutors highlighted that Baez wasn’t merely possessing illegal material downloaded from the internet—he was actively producing it by sexually abusing children in his care and documenting those crimes. Production of child pornography carries significantly harsher penalties under federal law than possession alone, reflecting the direct harm inflicted on victims.

The 21-year, 10-month sentence means Baez, now 46, will be approximately 68 years old upon release. He will also face mandatory supervised release and must register as a sex offender.

Multi-Agency Effort

The case was investigated jointly by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts handling the prosecution.

The investigation and prosecution were conducted under Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative launched in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program coordinates federal, state, and local law enforcement resources to identify victims, apprehend offenders, and prosecute cases involving the sexual exploitation of children.

“Project Safe Childhood brings together the expertise and resources needed to protect our most vulnerable citizens,” the Department of Justice states on its website. The initiative is led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide in partnership with the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section.

Delayed Release Due to Government Shutdown

The U.S. Attorney’s Office noted that while Baez’s sentencing occurred on October 23, the press release announcing it was delayed due to the federal government shutdown that affected operations. The announcement was posted following the return to normal operations.

Cases like Baez’s underscore the ongoing threat of child sexual abuse by trusted adults in positions of authority and care. Federal authorities continue to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of individuals who exploit children, with enhanced penalties for those who produce visual depictions of such abuse.

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For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.