A former junior high school teacher in Los Banos has been indicted on federal charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors and possession of child pornography, federal prosecutors said  Thursday.

Christian Banuelos, 30, was charged by a federal grand jury with one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez.

Prosecutors allege that between July 8, 2022, and Nov. 15, 2023, Banuelos used a minor to produce sexually explicit images.

Additionally, from Dec. 9, 2019, to Aug. 22, 2024, he is accused of receiving and distributing child pornography.

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The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Los Banos Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany M. Gunter is leading the prosecution.

If convicted, Banuelos faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison for each count of sexual exploitation of a minor, as well as a $250,000 fine per count.

The child pornography charge carries a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison, also with a potential $250,000 fine.

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