United States of America v. David Romero Reyes

Providence, Rhode Island, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

David Romero Reyes, 55, of Stafford, Virginia, pleaded guilty on September 3, 2025, to transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. He was also given 20 years of supervised release following his prison term and was ordered to register as a sex offender.

“The sentence imposed in this case reflects the defendant’s monstrous actions. There is no place in our federal district or in our society for such egregious abuse of a child,” said United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “This office will use every available resource to ensure that those who prey on the most vulnerable will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

According to court documents, in April 2021, Romero Reyes was detained by Naval Station Newport Police following a routine background check to enter the Navy base to make a delivery. Police determined that he was wanted in Texas on a charge of felony assault of a child. The young girl was located inside the sleeping compartment of the truck during a routine inspection. The girl was brought for a medical examination at Hasbro Children’s Hospital where it was learned that she was approximately five months pregnant. The girl was reported missing from her Virginia home in July 2020, when she was 14 years old. An investigation determined that Romero Reyes was known to the girl and to her family prior to her disappearance.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ronald R. Gendron and John P. McAdams.

The matter was investigated by the Naval Station Newport Police, FBI, and Rhode Island State Police.

The Defendant was found guilty and was sentenced to 204 months of incarceration as to Counts 1 and 2, concurrent with each other; 20 years of supervised release as to Counts 1 and 2, concurrent with each other; $200 special assessment; no fine or restitution.