⏱ 2 min read
Matthew Esai Hernandez, the 37-year-old son of a Las Cruces bounty hunter, has been charged with federal child exploitation offenses. The charges stem from a search warrant executed on May 12, 2026, at a Las Cruces residence as part of an ongoing human trafficking investigation connected to Robert Jay Hernandez. During the search, federal agents seized multiple electronic devices, including a cellphone belonging to Matthew Hernandez.
A forensic analysis of the phone revealed evidence that Hernandez engaged in sexually explicit communications with individuals who represented themselves as minors and possessed Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). He allegedly used messaging apps like Telegram and Kik Messenger to solicit explicit images from minors.
Hernandez is accused of receiving numerous CSAM images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of young children over a 21-month period. He has been charged with attempted coercion and enticement of minors, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. If convicted, he faces a minimum of 25 years in prison and up to life in prison.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, and the case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris announced the charges.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Sex Crimes
- Defendant: New Mexico
- Location: NM
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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