Nicholas Richard Lugo, 25, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison followed by 15 years of supervised release for distributing child pornography. The sentencing was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.
“A 15-year sentence cannot undo the harm Lugo repeatedly inflicted on children, but it delivers justice and protection,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “We are prosecuting several cases like this in federal court today, and every one of them is heartbreaking. Minnesota’s children deserve protection, and those who prey on them will face federal consequences.”
Lugo had previously been convicted in 2021 for first-degree criminal sexual conduct in Hennepin County, Minnesota. He received a stayed sentence of 144 months’ imprisonment, served 180 days in the workhouse, and was placed under five years of predatory offender supervision.
In October 2024, while still under supervision, Lugo obtained a cell phone against the terms of his release. He used the device to download a social media application through which he received and distributed images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of young children.
The sentencing took place before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey M. Bryan, who described Lugo’s offense as “one of the more egregious crimes we have in our society.”
The investigation into Lugo’s activities was conducted by the Chaska Police Department and the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan B. Gilead prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office acknowledged both current victims and those from Lugo’s prior conviction, stating that no child should experience such violence and emphasizing accountability for offenders.
