Florida man, a teacher, who was forcing underage Maryland girls online to participate in sexual behavior pleads guilty
Florida – The 25-year-old Italo Rafael Brett Bonini, a former middle school teacher, entered a guilty plea on May 11, 2025, to serious charges related to the exploitation of children, a disturbing case that has shaken Florida this week. Bonini admitted to one count of producing child sexual abuse material and one count of enticing a minor to participate in sexual behavior.
United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced the plea, underlining the seriousness of the crimes. With the possibility of a life sentence, Bonini now faces at least 15 years in federal prison; his sentencing is schedule for July 30, 2025.
The case came to light after a chilling incident on January 12, 2025, when Bonini engaged in a video chat with two young victims from Maryland through an online platform. He pressured youngsters on the call, promising in-game money for a well-known video game in return for sexual activities. One of the children followed Bonini’s orders and revealed themselves on camera.
Investigators eventually found that Bonini online targeted at least 20 other youngsters, therefore the encounter was part of a larger trend of predatory behavior. In every case, he reportedly lied about his identity, made inappropriate advances, and wanted video chats with underage people.
Agents spoke with Bonini at his Orlando home under FBI search warrant on February 4, 2025. Bonini said he was a private music teacher for kids and middle school teacher throughout the questioning. Surprisingly, he confessed that he signed up for the online site hoping to participate in sexual discussions for his personal pleasure. Bonini agreed to forfeit a computer involved in the perpetration of these offenses, which the FBI confiscated. He will also have to compensate his victims and any other children affected by his deeds with restitution.
Involving the FBI, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, and Harford County Child Advocacy Center, the investigation revealed Bonini’s predatory behavior’s scope. Project Safe Childhood covers the case, which Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Cruz is prosecuting.
Started in 2006 by the Department of Justice, this program seeks to fight child sexual exploitation by integrating federal, state, and local efforts to catch criminals and save victims. Predators use internet channels to target vulnerable youngsters, therefore the case highlights the continuing difficulties of safeguarding children in the digital age.
Bonini’s punishment is awaited by the community; the case highlights the need of care in protecting youngsters from online dangers. Officials nevertheless encourage parents and guardians to keep an eye on their children’s internet activity and notify law authorities of any suspicious behavior.
