SPOKANE, Wash. – A Spokane man has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for producing child sexual abuse material, according to a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office. Michael Avila Espinoza, 34, pleaded guilty to two counts of Production of Child Pornography on June 11, 2025.
United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice not only sentenced Espinoza to 23 years in prison but also imposed a life term of supervised release and a $15,000 assessment under the Amy, Vicky and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act.
Court documents revealed that Espinoza engaged in sexual activities with two minor females, one as young as 12, and recorded these acts on his cell phone. The investigation began during a state sexual assault inquiry involving one of the victims, leading to a search warrant for Espinoza’s social media. Investigators discovered communications and sexually explicit videos and photos involving the minors.
“It is difficult to imagine more violative conduct than the sexual assault of multiple minors,” said United States Attorney Pete Serrano. “A 23-year sentence is significant and demonstrates the collaborative partnerships of local, state and federal law enforcement colleagues who work tirelessly to protect our communities.”
April Miller, acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Seattle, emphasized the impact of the sentencing. “Espinoza’s sentencing—23 years in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release—reflects the profound harm caused by the defendant’s crimes,” she said.
Deputy Prosecutor Micaela Meadow highlighted the importance of the sentence, saying, “This negotiated sentence accomplishes several of the goals the State hopes for—it encompasses crimes from multiple jurisdictions, with multiple victims, holds the defendant accountable at a high level.”
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office also expressed gratitude for the collaboration, with Undersheriff Tyler I. Caille stating, “Protecting the safety of our community, especially our most vulnerable, is our highest priority.”
This case was part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
