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Carlos Rodriguez is a former crimes-against-children detective sergeant and FBI Task Force Officer (TFO), retiring from the Washington State Patrol (WSP) in June of 2020. Throughout his career, he led teams focused on complex investigations, with his most meaningful work centered on protecting children from sexual abuse and commercial sexual exploitation.Carlos led WSP's Missing and Exploited Children Task Force (MECTF), which was colocated with the FBI's South Sound Child Exploitation Task Force. He developed proactive investigative operations targeting those who attempt to sexually exploit children, which have been nationally modeled and replicated in jurisdictions across the county. Carlos is a nationally recognized subject matter expert and continues to present on human trafficking and child exploitation at national and international conferences.He served as the chief program officer for the International Association of Human Trafficking Investigators (IAHTI), where he helped shape strategy and training initiatives to combat exploitation. He continues to volunteer for IAHTI, by providing training and guidance as needed.Currently, Carlos is an internal investigator for the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD), where he leads investigations involving employee misconduct, student safety, and Title IX violations. He also serves as the point of contact for the district's human trafficking prevention program.
""Absolutely incredible! I laughed, I cried, and I could not put it down. Carlos invites readers into a world few dare to talk about, yet he does so with such honesty and warmth that you connect with him both as a father and a son and a leader. This book is a powerful reminder of how often we box up our emotions-and how healing begins when we learn to unpack them."" -Rebecca Bender, survivor, leader, and founder of Elevate Academy ""Carlos's vulnerability in sharing the realities of this work is powerful. Too often, those of us in helping professions carry these experiences silently. The Ugly Underneath breaks that silence, reminding us there is nothing wrong with being impacted by the work; it means we care. His stories give both grace and preparation for those walking into this space. This book is a gift to the profession."" -Melissa Kaiser, international expert consultant on human trafficking and vicarious trauma ""The Ugly Underneath is raw, brave, and profoundly human. Carlos Rodriguez writes with the kind of honesty that only comes from walking through both darkness and grace. His story shines a light on the unseen toll of protecting children-and the quiet redemption that comes when compassion refuses to quit. As someone who shares this calling, I see in Carlos a fellow warrior of light whose courage reminds us that love, when lived out, is the truest form of faith. -Jessica R. Muñoz, MSN, APRN-RX, FNP-BC, founder of Ho'ōla Nā Pua and Pearl Haven ""Carlos offers a rare and deeply personal insight into the career of a Washington State Police officer, detailing his journey from a non-commissioned officer trainee to a specialist investigator in the harrowing field of internet sexual crimes against children. His candid accounts reveal the profound personal impact of exposure to child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and the challenges of investigating these unimaginable crimes. While some of his graphic descriptions may be difficult to read, especially for those unfamiliar with such investigations, this book provides a fascinating and eye-opening read. The personal toll of this work is poignantly captured, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the realities of law enforcement and child protection."" -Dr. Joe Sullivan, director, Forensic Solutions
