Chavez-Heras Gets 27+ Years for Molesting Child

GREENVILLE, MS – Angel Chavez-Heras, 35, of Moundville, Alabama, will spend over 27 years behind bars after being sentenced to 328 months in prison for the enticement of a minor. The sentencing, handed down by Chief Judge Debra Brown, marks the culmination of a disturbing case involving online exploitation and repeated, predatory travel.

Court documents reveal Chavez-Heras solicited sexually explicit images and videos from a 14-year-old victim residing in the Northern District of Mississippi via various online applications. The depravity didn’t stop online. Chavez-Heras traveled over two hours on at least two separate occasions to sexually assault the minor. A search of his electronic devices uncovered evidence of similar predatory behavior targeting multiple other minor victims, with charges in those jurisdictions to follow.

U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner delivered a stark warning: “This sentence is a message to anyone who would think about traveling to the Northern District of Mississippi to prey on children – you will go to prison for a very long time.” The investigation originated with a concerned parent reporting suspicious online contact to the Pontotoc Police Department. Deputy Chief Nathan Gregory’s relentless pursuit, starting with just a social media handle and vehicle description, ultimately led to Chavez-Heras and a request for assistance from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

“HSI, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us—our children,” stated ICE HSI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune. “The sentencing of this serial child molester…is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement.” Pontotoc Police Chief Bob Poe echoed this sentiment, praising his department’s dedication and the collaborative effort with the Moundville P.D. and Department of Homeland Security in securing the conviction.

Beyond the lengthy prison sentence, Chavez-Heras will face five years of supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender upon his release. He is also ordered to pay restitution to the victim. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Parker S. King as part of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Project Safe Childhood, led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), pools federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children online and rescue victims. More information on Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov. This case serves as a chilling reminder of the predators lurking online and the critical importance of vigilance and reporting suspicious activity.