Texas Woman Gets 25 Years for Sex Crime Conspiracy in Mexico

Crime Pays: Texas Woman Gets 25 Years for Sex Crime Conspiracy in Mexico

A Texas woman, Anika Bywater, 29, formerly of Gonzalez, Texas, learned her fate in federal court for her role in conspiring with another person to sexually abuse a child outside the United States.

According to the Department of Justice, U.S. District Judge Brendan A. Hurson sentenced Bywater to 25 years in prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to engage in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places.

The sentencing took place in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, in Baltimore. Bywater, who is now facing a quarter-century behind bars, had pleaded guilty to the charges in July 2023.

The investigation into Bywater’s activities was led by the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Marshals Service.

Bywater’s sentencing serves as a stark reminder that crossing international borders will not shield perpetrators of sex crimes from justice. The U.S. government will continue to pursue cases like this one, bringing those responsible to account for their heinous crimes.

Those with information regarding sex crimes or other federal offenses are encouraged to contact the Department of Justice’s National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James A. Conway and Daniel J. Conway of the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.

The case is a prime example of the U.S. government’s commitment to protecting children from sex crimes and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.

The facts of this case are a harsh reminder that sex crimes have no borders and that those who engage in such activities will be brought to justice, no matter where they may hide.