Watch CBS News

Child Pornography Charges Filed Against Former Miami Mayor's Aide Rene Pedrosa

MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- A former top aide to the Mayor of Miami was arrested Friday for sending a naked picture to a minor and groping that teen at Miami City Hall.

A Miami Police report says Rene Pedrosa, 48, met the victim on social media and invited the victim to his workplace for an interview about web design. The arrest report says Pedrosa kissed and fondled the victim during that meeting.

The arrest report says "The defendant stopped, grabbed the victim's hand, kissed (victim) on (victim's) lips and grabbed (victim's) buttocks over the clothing."

Police say Pedrosa also sent a picture of his private parts to the victim and asked the victim for some sort of photo.

Investigators also obtained text messages showing that Pedrosa invited the victim to his home for sex and the teen said no, reminding Pedrosa that he was a minor.

Miami Police Chief Jorge Colina outlined the charges during an afternoon news conference.

"These are very serious charges. Very serious charges," Colina said. "The focus should really be on the victim. The family of the victim that displayed an incredible amount of courage in coming forward to report this crime."

Colina said the victim and his family reported the allegations to Miami Police on January 19.

It's not clear exactly when Miami Mayor Suarez learned of the allegations. Pedrosa resigned his position as Director of Communications for Miami Mayor Francis Suarez earlier this week after telling Suarez that he was under investigation.

Police say they are working to determine if anyone else was victimized.

"We don't know if there are other victims," Colina said. "If there are other victims we certainly encourage them to come forward."

Pedrosa faces a total of four criminal charges including promoting the sexual performance by a child, computer pornography, electronic transmission of material harmful to minors, and battery.

Bond is set at $26,500.

Late Friday evening, Pedrosa walked out of jail after posting bond.

Mayor Francis Suarez released this statement Friday afternoon.

"I have been made aware that Rene Pedrosa was taken into custody. I want to thank the Miami Police Department for expeditiously dealing with this matter. The residents of Miami deserve the highest standards from municipal employees. I will always work to ensure that my administration delivers accountability and takes action to uphold those standards. I have spoken to the mother of the reported victim and assured her that this is handled to the full extent of the law. My thoughts are with the reported victim and the family and we expect the legal process to take its course."

Pedrosa was also a longtime television news reporter in South Florida.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.