Corpus Christi Man Sentenced to Life for Hunting Girls Online
A 35-year-old Corpus Christi resident has been ordered to federal prison for using social media to entice a young girl to engage in sexual activity. Robert Velasquez pleaded guilty in January 2020.
Senior U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack ordered Velasquez to serve the rest of his life in prison. At the hearing, the court heard additional information, including impact statements from three of his victims. The court also presented information about the identification of several victims between the ages of eight and 15.
Velasquez used the victims’ social media accounts to determine they were local and underage. He then targeted them with complimentary messages and long conversations in order to get the girls to meet for sex. In some instances, he photographed the children during their physical encounters.
The investigation began in January 2019. Authorities reviewed more than 50,000 social media chats, which led to the identification of over 10 young girls ranging from 8 to 17 years of age whom Velasquez victimized.
“Using any type of social media to target our children is deplorable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery. “Such communication avenues can be wonderful tools to share stories and connect with people, but we must remain vigilant and cautious.
Velasquez has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The FBI and the Corpus Christi Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany L. Jensen is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Sex CrimesSex CrimesSex CrimesSex Crimes