McALLEN, Texas – The grim saga of Rogelio Pruneda III, a 29-year-old Rio Grande Valley resident, reached its dark climax as he was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison for distributing videos depicting sexual activity with a minor. U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced the sentence.
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Pruneda pleaded guilty on June 2, and Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane imposed the harsh penalty after hearing testimonies that revealed Pruneda’s manipulative tactics. He coerced a minor relative to locate and recruit the female victim, promising her a lifestyle of luxury under the guise of a ‘sugar daddy.’
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The court also noted Pruneda’s attempt to obstruct justice by contacting witnesses during the investigation. Despite the age gap between himself and the victim, he managed to lure her into exchanging sexual favors for money and THC vape cartridges.
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Following his release from prison, Pruneda must serve five years on supervised release, comply with strict internet and child access restrictions, and register as a sex offender. He was also ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to the victim.
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“Pruneda sought out a victim online and plied her with offers of money and other goods, demonstrating his dangerous calculation,” said Ganjei. “The Southern District of Texas will protect our children’s innocence and punish those who prey on them.”
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The FBI investigation, assisted by the Hidalgo Police Department, revealed Pruneda’s despicable actions. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexa D. Parcell prosecuted this case under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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