Ocala, Florida – Ismael Osbaldo Pedro Tomas, a 23-year-old from Guatemala, has been indicted on charges of attempting to entice a minor for sexual activity. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. If found guilty, Pedro Tomas could face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison.
The indictment alleges that between July 22 and August 11, 2025, Pedro Tomas tried to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce someone he believed was under the age of 18 into prostitution and sexual activity.
“An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty,” according to the release.
The investigation was conducted by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg will prosecute the case.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood. This initiative began in May 2006 through the Department of Justice as an effort to address child sexual exploitation and abuse across the country. It brings together federal, state, and local agencies to locate offenders who exploit children and rescue victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
