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Big Spring Man Jailed for Child Porn Attempt
LUBBOCK, Texas — Gilberto Ray Hinojos, 23, of Big Spring, Texas, was sentenced to five years in federal prison on a conviction of attempting to receive a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Hinojos, who had been in custody since August when his pretrial bond was revoked, pleaded guilty in June to one count of attempted receipt of a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
According to documents filed in the case, on May 14, 2015, Hinojos responded to an online classified ad posted by the Texas Department of Public Safety identifying themselves as a 13-year-old female. He attempted to receive sexually explicit images of this person and made further arrangements to meet her at a restaurant on 19th Street in Lubbock. Hinojos arrived at the location and was arrested.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and identify and rescue victims.
The Texas Department of Public Safety and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven M. Sucsy prosecuted the case. Hinojos’ sentence is a reminder that individuals who commit such heinous crimes will be held accountable for their actions, U.S. Attorney Parker said.
Project Safe Childhood is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, and other federal, state and local agencies to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/. For more information about internet safety education, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/ and click on the tab ‘resources.’
The case is a stark reminder of the dangers of online predators and the importance of internet safety education. As we continue to work to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse, we must also educate children and parents about the risks and take steps to protect them.
Hinojos’ sentencing is a significant victory for law enforcement and victims of child exploitation. We will continue to work tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice and protect our children from the horrors of child sexual exploitation.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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