Inmate solicited explicit images from victim while incarcerated

Nathaniel Ray Diaz, a 21-year-old man, has been charged with sexual exploitation of a child while serving time in a California prison for molesting a 12-year-old girl. He reportedly contacted the girl, now 14, thousands of times using a tablet issued to inmates. Federal prosecutors claim that while in Avenal State Prison, Diaz used another inmate's tablet to express his feelings for the girl in graphic terms and solicited nude pictures. He told her in one call, "I’m about to go crazy. Oh my goodness, I need you. I need that picture." The girl attempted to send pictures but they were blocked by prison staff. Diaz was initially sentenced to three years in prison after pleading no contest to several charges, including rape and possession of child pornography. He was expected to be released in April, but these new federal charges could extend his prison time significantly. Authorities discovered the ongoing contact after the girl's mother found out and reported it to the police. The girl provided detailed information about their conversations, stating they spoke frequently until her mother intervened. Prosecutors believe Diaz had help from two accomplices who provided tablets for him to use. Diaz is now being held at the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad while awaiting further legal proceedings.