David Montelongo, Enticing Minor, Texas 2024

McAllen man sent to prison for attempting to entice minor through social media

A 27-year-old McAllen resident has been ordered to federal prison after admitting he intended to engage in sexual activity with a minor female, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

David Montelongo pleaded guilty to the crime on June 24.

U.S. District Judge Randy Crane sentenced him to 120 months in federal prison, stating that Montelongo had committed a very serious offense which was not impulsive as it had taken place over some length of time. Judge Crane also referenced how Montelongo knew his conduct was wrong.

Montelongo was further ordered to serve five years on supervised release following completion of his prison term, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

According to court documents, on Jan. 21, Montelongo began to entice and coerce an individual he believed to be a 13-year-old female on a popular social media application. In their communications, Montelongo discussed the sexual acts he desired to perform on the minor and take her virginity.

Montelongo requested to meet the alleged minor in person at a park in McAllen, at which time he expected to engage in sexual activity with her. Montelongo saw authorities and fled upon arrival. Law enforcement later took him into custody on March 10.

The investigation was conducted by the Homeland Security Investigations – Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Investigations Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Mitchell prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Montelongo has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

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