An investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with support from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, has led to a guilty plea from Raul Velasco-Leon, a 39-year-old Mexican national. Velasco-Leon admitted to transporting child sexual abuse material across state lines into Mexico.
“This guilty plea is a critical step in holding Velasco-Leon accountable for the disturbing crimes he committed,” stated ICE Homeland Security Investigations Laredo Acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge Mauro Lopez. “HSI remains committed to identifying, investigating and bringing to justice those who exploit children. We will continue working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure predators face the full consequences of their actions and that victims are not forgotten.”
Court documents reveal that on March 12, Velasco-Leon was traveling from Tennessee and attempted to enter Mexico via the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge. During a secondary inspection, authorities found youth-sized clothing labeled “Girl Power” inside his belongings, along with multiple electronic devices including USB flash drives, cell phones, and a laptop. Six files containing child sexual abuse material were discovered on one device, depicting minor victims approximately 10 years old.
Velasco-Leon confessed to engaging in video chats where he would screen record child sexual abuse material when encountered.
The sentencing date is yet to be determined. Velasco-Leon could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. He remains in custody pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine A. Cortez from the Southern District of Texas is handling the prosecution.
