Edinburg Predator Gets 24+ Years for Child Porn

McALLEN, TEXAS – Carlos Benjamin Martinez, 29, of Edinburg, is headed to federal prison for a horrific spree of child exploitation. The man was sentenced today to 292 months – more than 24 years – after pleading guilty December 2, 2016, to charges of production, receipt, and distribution of child pornography. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Randy Crane, reflects the depravity of Martinez’s actions and the damage he inflicted on vulnerable victims.

The court heard disturbing testimony revealing Martinez’s predatory behavior extended beyond the digital realm. He actively sought opportunities to interact with children, making inquiries with adoption agencies about adopting and even responding to a Craigslist ad offering his services as a babysitter. Judge Crane specifically voiced his concerns regarding these attempts to gain access to children during the sentencing hearing. Upon release, Martinez will face a lifetime of supervised release with strict restrictions on access to children and the internet, and will be required to register as a sex offender and undergo treatment.

According to court documents, Martinez admitted to downloading and receiving child pornography, as well as sending emails containing the disturbing content. But the depravity didn’t stop there. He also confessed to performing a sexual act on a minor child, recording the horrific incident on his cell phone. This isn’t just about images; it’s about a calculated abuse of power and a betrayal of trust.

The investigation began in March 2015, when authorities in Massachusetts were investigating another individual suspected of possessing child pornography. Their investigation led them to Martinez, who had emailed several images of the illicit material to the suspect. A subsequent FBI search of Martinez’s residence in September 2015 yielded a treasure trove of depravity – numerous electronic devices containing thousands of images and videos depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. A search of his email account confirmed the scale of his involvement.

The most damning evidence came from his cell phone. A forensic analysis revealed a video of Martinez sexually abusing a minor child, approximately 12 years of age. The FBI, which led the investigation, moved swiftly to secure evidence and bring Martinez to justice. He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alex Benavides and Kimberly Ann Leo prosecuted the case, emphasizing the gravity of the crimes.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project brings together federal, state, and local resources to identify, apprehend, and prosecute predators like Martinez, and to rescue victims. For more information on Project Safe Childhood, visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Information on internet safety resources can also be found on the DOJ website.

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