Laredo Man Admits to Child Pornography
A 42-year-old Laredo resident has pleaded guilty to receiving and possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Roberto Ortiz Jr. admitted he downloaded and possessed child pornography on his computer and an external hard drive. The investigation into Ortiz began on March 23, 2024, when law enforcement downloaded files containing child pornography from an IP address linked to Ortiz.
On June 4, 2024, authorities executed a search warrant at Ortiz’s residence. He gave them access to his computer and showed them where he saved his downloaded content. They saw images of child pornography and took Ortiz into custody.
Forensic analysis resulted in the discovery of over 3,000 files containing child pornography on Ortiz’s computer and external hard drive. U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced Ortiz’s guilty plea, stating that the U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing May 19.
At that time, Ortiz faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Laredo Child Exploitation Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine A. Cortez is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Ortiz’s guilty plea serves as a reminder of the importance of this initiative and the need to protect our children from exploitation and abuse. The Laredo community can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that justice is being served in this case.
Defendant: Roberto Ortiz Jr.
Criminal Charges: Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography
City and State: Laredo, Texas
Exact Date: March 23, 2024 (investigation began), June 4, 2024 (search warrant executed), May 19 (sentencing)
Sentence or Outcome: Up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine, currently in custody pending sentencing
Dollar Amounts: $250,000 maximum fine
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
