ICE Rio Grande Valley investigation resulted in the sentencing of a South Texas man to over 33 years for sexually abusing minor

MCALLEN, Texas — A South Texas man was sentenced for enticement of a minor and production of child sexual abuse material following an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Task Force.

Christian Hanks, 29, from McAllen, was sentenced Feb. 19 by U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez to 400 and 360 months for enticement and production of child pornography convictions, respectively. The court ordered the sentences will run concurrently. In handing down the prison terms, the court noted the repeat nature of the offenses, and the degree of manipulation involved in them. Judge Alvarez also indicated Hanks’ behavior was consistent with that of a sexual predator. He was further ordered to serve 10 years on supervised release following completion of his prison terms. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Hanks will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. He pleaded guilty Oct. 15, 2024.

“The conviction and sentencing of this individual today highlights our steadfast dedication to safeguarding our children,” said ICE HSI Deputy Special Agent in Charge Mark Lippa. “With the sentence of production of child pornography, ICE HSI sends a strong message that such reprehensible behavior will not be tolerated. We must remain united in our efforts to protect the safety and well-being of every child.”

“As the court found, the defendant’s behavior in this case was particularly abhorrent, and deserving of a significant sentence” said Ganjei. “Children deserve to grow up in a safe community, free from the predations of individuals like Hanks. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that similar predators are uncovered and prosecuted.”

According to court documents, Hanks recorded himself sexually abusing a minor victim in December 2023. The investigation revealed years of communication between himself and the minor regarding further sexual abuse, and requests to abuse the minor and other minor children. The investigation also revealed Hanks had engaged in grooming behavior with another minor victim in the Western District of Louisiana to entice her to engage in sexual conduct with him. The investigation revealed he also engaged in sexual intercourse with the second minor victim.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cahal P. McColgan and Earl M. Campbell from the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case.

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