A Laredo man was sentenced to federal prison for his role in a child pornography ring. Alberto Garza-Gaona, 27, was found guilty of receiving and sharing child pornography after an investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Webb County Sheriff’s Department.
The investigation, part of Operation Child Guardian, began in February 2014 after law enforcement discovered that Garza-Gaona was distributing child pornography through peer-to-peer networks. A search warrant was executed at his residence on June 4, 2014, where agents seized numerous computer and storage devices containing 27,134 images and 23 videos of child pornography.
Garza-Gaona admitted to downloading the child pornography and that all of the devices found in his bedroom belonged to him. U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo handed down a sentence of 84 months in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release. Garza-Gaona was also ordered to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notice Act.
As a student Visa holder, Garza-Gaona is expected to face deportation proceedings following the completion of his sentence. HSI and the Webb County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Sanjeev Bhasker prosecuting.
The charges were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the government to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program has led to the apprehension and prosecution of dozens of suspected child predators.
Garza-Gaona will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in preventing child exploitation and the consequences of those who engage in such activities.
Related Federal Cases
- Shemar Cameron Green, Child Pornography, Texas 2023 · Pennsylvania
- Christopher Dale Harrison, Production of Child Pornography, Texas 2013 · Arkansas
- Trevion Lechay Ethridge, Production of Child Pornography, Texas 2014 · Arkansas
- Tracy Jay Chappell, Possession of Child Pornography, Texas 2013 · Illinois
- Matthew Anthony Keller, Production of Child Pornography, Texas 2017 · Virginia
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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