El Paso Standard

A South Texas man, Christian Hanks, 29, from McAllen, has been sentenced for enticement of a minor and production of child sexual abuse material. This follows an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Task Force.

On February 19, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez sentenced Hanks to 400 months for enticement and 360 months for production of child pornography. The sentences will run concurrently. The court highlighted the repeat nature of the offenses and the degree of manipulation involved. Judge Alvarez described Hanks’ behavior as consistent with that of a sexual predator. Following his prison term, Hanks is ordered to serve ten years on supervised release with restrictions on access to children and the internet. He must also register as a sex offender after pleading guilty on October 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."

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

The investigation uncovered that Hanks recorded himself sexually abusing a minor victim in December 2023 and engaged in years-long communication about further abuse with the victim and other minors. It was also revealed that he groomed another minor victim in Louisiana for sexual conduct.

Hanks remains in custody awaiting transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.