Corpus Christi Man Guilty of Sexually Exploiting Child
A 19-year-old Corpus Christi resident has admitted to distributing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Angel Valdez’s investigation began in December 2023, when he left a comment on a social media page supporting the work of an individual who had recently been sentenced to prison in Australia for animal cruelty. Australian law enforcement investigated further and began conversations with Valdez in an undercover capacity.
During those communications, Valdez spoke about his interest in animal cruelty, which later developed into child sexual abuse material (CSAM). On February 14, 2024, Valdez sent a video depicting CSAM, which included a video of a nude prepubescent girl and a nude adult female wearing a mask. The depiction showed the young child being forced to perform oral sex on the adult female.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant on June 28, 2024, which resulted in the discovery of a laptop containing CSAM. Valdez also admitted that he had participated in the online conversation and distributed the CSAM.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos will impose sentencing on August 12. At that time, Valdez faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations and Corpus Christi Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of authorities in Australia.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Overman is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Related Federal Cases
- James Doe, Sexual Exploitation of a Child, Hartford CT, 2024 · Texas
- Martinez, Child Exploitation, Texas, 2023 · Texas
- Robbie Newby Sentenced to 30 Years for Sexual Exploitation of Child… · Texas
- Robert William Melanson, Running Child Sexual Abuse Website, AL, 2023 · Texas
- John Doe Convicted of Attempted Child Exploitation, IL, 2023 · Tennessee
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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