TAMPA, Fla. — A Pinellas Park babysitter was sentenced to 23 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to producing child pornography.

Robert Joseph Ware, 27, pleaded guilty to the charge in December 2017.

According to court documents, on December 10, 2011, Ware produced three images of child pornography depicting him sexually abusing an infant that he had been babysitting. He sent the images via text message to an individual in New York. The investigation and prosecution of the individual in New York revealed the child pornography produced by Ware.

When federal agents arrested Ware on May 9, 2017, he had 90 images of child pornography on his cellphone.

"Only the worst depraved criminal would produce child pornography with an infant left in his care," said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. "This egregious crime reminds us all to remain vigilant in the protection of our children."

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Peresie.