A New Orleans resident has pleaded guilty to possessing images and videos that depict the sexual exploitation of children under twelve years old. Ervin Dalvecchio Cooper, 24, entered his plea before United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon on July 31, 2025.
Court documents indicate that in February 2022, Special Agents from the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) received reports about a user uploading files showing child sexual abuse through a multimedia instant messaging application. Investigators identified Cooper as the person using the reported username and found he had transmitted files containing child sexual exploitation material via the mobile app.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Cooper’s residence in May 2022, seizing several electronic devices. A review of these items uncovered at least 1,005 images and videos involving the victimization of children, some younger than two years old. Some files depicted “sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence.”
Cooper could face up to twenty years in prison, with at least five years and possibly up to a lifetime of supervised release. He may also be fined up to $250,000 and required to pay a $100 special assessment fee. Additionally, Cooper may have to register as a sex offender. Sentencing is set for October 30, 2025.
“This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov,” according to officials.
U.S. Attorney Simpson acknowledged LBI’s efforts in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is handling prosecution for this case.
