SPOKANE, WA — A Washington man has been sentenced to 23 years in federal prison after admitting to producing illegal material involving minors, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington.

Michael Avila Espinoza, 34, pleaded guilty in June to two counts of Production of Child Pornography. U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice ordered that Espinoza serve a lifetime of supervised release following his prison term and pay a $15,000 assessment under the federal Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act.

According to court documents, investigators identified Espinoza during a state case involving one of the victims. A search warrant for his social media accounts later revealed communications with two minors and recordings that were used as evidence. The investigation also found additional images that had been solicited from the victims.

U.S. Attorney Pete Serrano said the sentence reflects the seriousness of the case and the collaborative efforts of local, state, and federal agencies. “In a civilized society, it is everyone’s job to protect the innocent and the vulnerable,” Serrano said.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) assisted the investigation through teams based in Yakima and Wenatchee. HSI Seattle Acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller said the sentence ensures Espinoza will be closely monitored for life.

Chelan County Deputy Prosecutor Micaela Meadow noted that the negotiated sentence addresses conduct across multiple jurisdictions while preventing further trauma to the victims, who did not have to testify in court. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office also expressed appreciation for the multi-agency partnership.

The case was pursued under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating child exploitation. It was jointly investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann T. Wick prosecuted the case.