Bay St. Louis man sentenced to 25 years for exploiting children

SOUTH, MISS. (WXXV)-A Bay St. Louis man has been sentenced to 25 years behind bars for exploiting children.

Twenty-year-old Drew Gallardo pled guilty to two counts of exploitation of a child involving two 12-year-old girls.

The investigation began when the mother of one of the children noticed ‘relationship type behavior’ between her daughter and Gallardo after he had been informed of the girls ages. The mother told Gallardo to leave the girls alone due to their age.

According to ADA Chris Daniel, Gallardo was a friend of a brother of one of the two girls.

The children were interviewed by professionals at Canopy Child Advocacy Center when investigators learned that Gallardo used his access and influence to coerce the girls into sexual acts. Investigators also searched Gallardo’s phone and found evidence that confirmed his sexual interest in the victims.

Gallardo was sentenced to 25 years with 17 suspended with eight years to serve followed by five years of post-release supervision.  Gallardo was 18 at the time of his offenses and had no prior felony convictions.

According to the District Attorney’s Office, Gallardo will also be required to pay fines, assessments and court costs in excess of $4,000.

Due to the nature of the offenses, Gallardo will serve his time day-for-day without hope of early release or parole, and he must register as a sex offender upon release from prison.