A Chula Vista man who once worked as an Otay Mesa substitute teacher was sentenced Feb. 29 to seven years in federal prison for receiving child pornography on his home computer.
Alejandro Castillo, Jr., 36, was ordered to pay $4,000 in damages to one victim who was identified by authorities in four sexually graphic images. He must register as a sex offender after he is released.
Because the sentencing occurred over the noon hour, U.S. District Court Judge Michael Anello allowed Castillo to remain free for a two-hour lunch with his parents who sat in the front row. He then surrendered to authorities afterwards.
He worked at Los Altos Elementary School where the principal sent letters to parents informing them of his arrest on April 26, 2015.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alessandra Serano asked for a 121-month sentence while his lawyer, Kimberly Trimble, sought a 5-year term.
Serano said there were 17 videos of children being molested on Castillo’s computer with scenes of bondage and humiliation. “He placed himself in a position of trust,” in substitute teaching and being a YMCA camp counselor, said Serano.
Trimble told the judge there was no inappropriate contact with children. “His work was very separate from his fantasy world,” she said. “I think that shows great potential for Mr. Castillo.”
Trimble said Castillo talked about teaching English to inmates, noting “he is an educator at heart.” She said he wants to continue with therapy in prison and added, “He will not be able to do the kind of work he did before.”
“I was not looking for it, but I did not turn away from it when I found it,” said Castillo about his online viewing. “I have taken responsibility for my transgressions.”
U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy stated “protecting vulnerable children remains one of the Department of Justice’s most important priorities” in a press release. “This sentence recognizes the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct and the egregious special circumstances present in this case.”
Castillo had no prior record and had never been in jail before.
