BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – In a shocking turn of events, Antonio Zapata-Chairez, a 43-year-old undocumented individual, pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of child pornography. The charges stem from an investigation by the FBI, U.S. Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
According to the plea agreement, the FBI executed a search warrant at Zapata-Chairez’s residence in Birmingham in August 2019. During the search, agents seized two mobile phones, a laptop, and a Walther Smith and Wesson P22 semi-auto .22 caliber handgun. A forensic examination of the digital devices revealed images and videos of child pornography.
Zapata-Chairez’s status as a foreign national and citizen of Mexico was discovered by the FBI after contacting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations. The investigation is a prime example of the collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies to combat child exploitation and abuse.
The case was brought under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the federal government in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, and to identify and rescue victims.
Zapata-Chairez pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge R. David Proctor to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and one count of possession of child pornography. The outcome of the case remains uncertain, but it is clear that Zapata-Chairez faces serious consequences for his actions.
The defendant will be sentenced for his crimes. No further information is available at this time.
Antonio Zapata-Chairez, 43, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and one count of possession of child pornography. He faces prison time for both crimes.
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Key Facts
- State: Alabama
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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