Valentine Cancino, Child Sexual Exploitation, Texas 2024

A Corpus Christi man has admitted to recording a sexual video of himself with a minor relative, federal authorities announced.

Valentine Cancino, 34, pleaded guilty to production of child sexual abuse material, also known as sexual exploitation of a child, U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced.

The investigation into Cancino began when authorities received multiple cyber-tips indicating child pornography had been uploaded onto the internet. Law enforcement was able to identify Cancino as the source of the content.

On January 30, 2024, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Cancino's residence in Corpus Christi. They located and seized two electronic devices, including a Samsung Galaxy cell phone. Upon inspection, authorities discovered a video recording Cancino made of himself engaging in sexual activity with a minor relative.

U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos will impose sentencing on June 4. At the time, Cancino faces up to 30 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Cancino has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Overman 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.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit DOJ's PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/corpus-christi-man-admits-recording-sexual-video-himself-minor-relative