A former GOP staffer, who designed campaign ads for Donald Trump’s re-election campaign, has been arrested on child pornography charges.
27-year-old Ruben Verastigui was arrested on Friday after he allegedly “distributed, received, and possessed images of child pornography” between March 2020 and February 2021.
The Texas native had worked as a digital strategist for the Senate Republican Conference when the investigation started last March.
Verastigui left that position in July to become communications manager for a conservative green energy non-profit Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions.
He is believed to have been fired in the wake of his arrest.
“The details of the allegations against Mr. Verastigui are tragic and shocking,” a spokesperson for the non-profit, said.
“He is no longer employed by the organization and we are prepared to fully cooperate with law enforcement requests in this matter to any extent needed.”
According to court documents, Homeland Security special agents began investigating a group of at least 18 people who claimed to be trading child pornography.
Verastigui, who went by the username “Landon” in the group chat, sent messages to a group chat and said he wanted to view “hardcore” videos.
Records also state that Verastigui invited another member of the group to come to DC “for the purpose of sexually abusing a minor.”
“Well like I said babies are some of my biggest turn-ons and beast,” the former staffer allegedly said in one direct message.
“Young rape… Fuck I love all that.”
In the same chat, Verastigui allegedly said he had “been wanting to see videos of guys” who sexually abuse a baby, confessing that it was his “favorite” when the victim was in pain.
A spokesperson for the Senate Republican Conference was asked for a comment after Verastigui’s arrest, and answered, “We have just learned about this investigation and arrest. The individual has not worked at SRC since July 2, 2020.”