McALLEN, TEXAS – Rogelio Pruneda III, a 29-year-old resident of Hidalgo, Texas, has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for the calculated distribution of child sexual abuse material and exploitation of a minor. The sentence, handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane, reflects the gravity of Pruneda’s predatory behavior and attempts to evade justice.
Pruneda pleaded guilty June 2, admitting to using Facebook Messenger between July and October 2022 to groom a young female victim. He offered her money and THC vape cartridges in exchange for sexual acts, which he then recorded and distributed. The victim’s parent discovered the illicit relationship and immediately reported it to authorities, initiating a swift investigation that exposed the full extent of Pruneda’s depravity.
Court testimony revealed a disturbing pattern of manipulation. Pruneda leveraged a relationship with a minor relative to locate and target the victim, falsely presenting himself as a “sugar daddy.” This relative, complicit in the initial stages, played a crucial role in introducing Pruneda to the victim. The court also heard evidence of Pruneda engaging in similar conduct with another minor relative, demonstrating a clear history of predatory behavior.
Beyond the distribution of the videos, the court found Pruneda attempted to obstruct justice by contacting witnesses in the investigation, a clear indication of his desperation to avoid accountability. The age disparity between Pruneda and the victim was also highlighted, underscoring the power imbalance inherent in the abuse. The victim confirmed the videos depicted sex acts committed in Pruneda’s vehicle.
“Here, Pruneda sought out a victim online and plied her with offers of money and other goods. This methodical plan demonstrates just how dangerous and calculating he is,” stated U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. “The Southern District of Texas will do whatever it takes to protect the innocence of the children of our community and punish—to the maximum extent the law allows—those who take that innocence away.” In addition to the 108-month prison sentence, Pruneda was ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to the victim and will serve five years of supervised release after his incarceration. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
The investigation, conducted by the FBI with assistance from the Hidalgo Police Department, was part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative dedicated to combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. Pruneda remains in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility. This case serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive threat of online predators and the critical need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable children. Resources regarding internet safety and Project Safe Childhood can be found on the Department of Justice website.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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