HSI Eagle Pass investigation results in 12-year sentence for Texas man who distributed child sexual abuse material

DEL RIO, Texas — A Southwest Texas man was sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison for the distribution of child sexual abuse material following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Eagle Pass with assistance from the Dimmitt County Sheriff’s Office.

Marco Jesus Perales, 27, of Carrizo Springs, was arrested June 30, 2020, and pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child sexual abuse material on June 24, 2021. He was sentenced April 9 to 151 months in federal prison following his conviction.

“HSI agents make it a top priority to aggressively investigate predators involved with the distribution of child pornography,” said HSI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig S. Larrabee. “Each year, millions of children fall prey to sexual predators, and it is imperative that we do our part to protect vulnerable children from victimization and ensure the perpetrators are punished for their heinous crimes.”

According to court documents, Perales distributed approximately 138 videos depicting child sexual abuse material between June 1, 2019, and June 30, 2020. In February 2020, HSI Eagle Pass received a report from a messaging application regarding the transmission of child sexual abuse material. The report indicated that Perales sent three hyperlinks to multiple users in a group chat on Sept. 9, 2019. Analysis of the recovered hyperlinks revealed that they contained child sexual abuse material. One of the recovered hyperlinks distributed by Perales contained a folder with 62 videos visually depicting male and female children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. In approximately 60 of the videos, the minors are clearly and obviously prepubescent. The other recovered hyperlink distributed by Perales contained a folder titled "Good Stuff,” which contained 76 additional videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas Rex Beasley prosecuted the case.

HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free tip line at 866-347-2423 or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock. From outside the United States and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users may call TTY 802-872-6196.

HSI takes a victim-centered approach to child exploitation investigations by working to identify, rescue and stabilize victims. HSI works in partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, ICAC partners, and other federal, state and local agencies to help solve cases and rescue sexually exploited children. You can report suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 800-THE-LOST.

HSI is a founding member of the Virtual Global Taskforce, an international alliance of law enforcement agencies and private industry sector partners working together to prevent and deter online child sexual abuse.

One of HSI’s top priorities is to protect the public from crimes of victimization, and HSI’s child exploitation investigations program is a central component of this mission set. Further, HSI is recognized as a global leader in this investigative discipline. The directorate is committed to utilizing its vast authorities, international footprint and strong government and nongovernment partnerships to identify and rescue child victims; identify and apprehend offenders; prevent transnational child sexual abuse; and help make the internet a safer place for children.

HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance move. HSI’s workforce of more than 8,700 employees consists of more than 6,000 special agents assigned to 237 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’ largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.

Source: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE.gov)