Convicted Child Pорно Predator Velez Sentenced for Citizenship Fraud

Convicted child pornography predator Carlos Fabian Velez, 54, has been sentenced in San Antonio for citizenship fraud. The sentence is a harsh blow to the aspiring citizen who had previously pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography.

On Wednesday, Judge Jason K. Pulliam ruled that Velez will serve time already served on his existing 210-month sentence for child pornography distribution and will now face mandatory denaturalization. Velez’s lie on his naturalization application, where he claimed no criminal history when he knew he had committed multiple offenses related to child pornography, has led to this severe outcome.

U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons from the Western District of Texas emphasized the need to protect the sanctity of the naturalization process. “Obtaining American citizenship is a dream for many, but we will ensure that those who commit crimes against children and lie about it never receive this honor,” said Simmons.

Velez’s case was investigated by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate, and the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fidel Esparza III and Tracy Thompson prosecuted the case. The charges stem from Velez’s false statements on his application, which made him ineligible for citizenship due to his criminal history.

This sentence comes as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information on this initiative, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Carlos Fabian Velez’s sentence serves as a stark reminder of the consequences faced by those who seek to exploit children and attempt to deceive the system for personal gain.