Previously convicted sex offender sentenced to over 27 years for using Snapchat to produce child sexual abuse material following HSI investigation

SAN ANTONIO — A Texas man was sentenced to more 27 years in federal prison for producing child sexual abuse material following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from the Texas Office of the Attorney General.

Miguel Angel Garcia, 26, of San Antonio, was sentenced April 10 to 324 months of incarceration, a lifetime of supervised release and victim restitution of $30,000. Garcia pleaded guilty March 22, 2023, to production of child sexual abuse material.

"The exploitation of children is a heinous crime, which HSI relentlessly pursues to bring these perpetrators to justice," said HSI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig S. Larrabee. “Mr. Garcia will spend the next 27 years in federal prison, answering for his crimes of producing child pornography, sending a message that we will not tolerate these actions in our community.”

According to court documents, in September 2019, Snapchat accounts belonging to two children in Minnesota were hacked. The hacker, Garcia, changed the passwords and assumed control of the accounts. After he assumed control, he would instruct the children to send nude photographs of themselves. If he did not receive the images, he would threaten the children, saying, “I will expose you now,” and “this is your last chance.” During the investigation, HSI executed two federal search warrants at Garcia’s residence. This resulted in the seizure of multiple electronic devices that provided corroborating evidence of Garcia’s crimes. Garcia was arrested in February 2021 without incident.

Garcia remains in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas Bettina Richardson 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, Internet Crimes Against Children 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)