LAREDO, Texas – Felipe Hernandez-Mata, a 45-year-old Mexican national, has been sentenced to 240 months – 20 years – in federal prison for the sexual exploitation of a child. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge John Kazen, reflects the gravity of Hernandez-Mata’s crimes and the lasting damage inflicted upon the victim. The case, delayed in publication due to a recent government shutdown, finally saw justice served this week.
Hernandez-Mata pleaded guilty on March 3rd to producing and possessing child sexual abuse material. Court records reveal he offered money to a minor in exchange for explicit images and videos of herself. He also sent the victim a photo of his own genitalia. The investigation originated with a report from a concerned relative, who noticed suspicious communications between Hernandez-Mata and the child, indicating he was soliciting nude photos.
Forensic analysis of the victim’s cell phone painted a grim picture. Investigators recovered approximately 25 images and two videos depicting child sexual abuse material, all received at Hernandez-Mata’s direction. Alongside these disturbing images were photos of various amounts of cash, seemingly used to coerce the victim. The court heard harrowing testimony from a relative of the victim, detailing the family’s trust in Hernandez-Mata and the profound trauma the abuse has caused.
“The American people have little patience for those that produce child sexual abuse material, particularly for those abusers who are illegally in the country,” declared U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. “The Southern District of Texas is committed to a secure southern border, which will keep people like Hernandez-Mata out of our country and away from our children.” The court emphasized that Hernandez-Mata “effectively destroyed the minor victim’s life” through his predatory behavior.
In addition to the 20-year prison sentence, Hernandez-Mata has been ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to the victim and will face 10 years of supervised release upon completion of his sentence. During that time, strict conditions will be imposed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. Following his imprisonment, Hernandez-Mata, who is not a U.S. citizen, will be subject to removal proceedings.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations and the Laredo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine A. Cortez prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a national initiative dedicated to combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. PSC aims to locate, apprehend, and prosecute offenders, while also providing resources for victim identification and rescue. Information about PSC and internet safety resources can be found at the Department of Justice’s website. Hernandez-Mata remains in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
RELATED: Mexican National Gets 20-Year Sentence for Child Sex Abuse
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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