Kaleb Marc Rodriquez, a 27-year-old resident of Abilene, was sentenced to 50 years in federal prison for producing and transporting child sexual abuse material, according to a July 29 announcement from the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas.
United States Attorney Ryan Raybould said, “I can think of few things more reprehensible than an individual entrusted with the care and well-being of a minor, who then takes advantage of a tragedy to betray that trust and horrifically violate that child in his care. This sentence affirms my office’s commitment to protecting children and prosecuting these vile criminals. I am extremely grateful to our law enforcement partners and the prosecutorial team for ensuring this predator can never again sexually exploit children in North Texas.”
Homeland Security Investigations Dallas Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard said, “Protecting children from exploitation is a core mission for HSI. This sentence demonstrates that those who commit these crimes will be held fully accountable. We are grateful for the dedicated efforts of the Abilene Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in ensuring that this offender will no longer pose a threat to vulnerable children. HSI will continue to work tirelessly to investigate, apprehend, and prosecute those who prey on minors, and to support victims and their families throughout the process.”
According to court documents, on September 22, 2024, Jane Doe 1’s grandmother suffered a stroke leading her mother to leave Doe and her siblings in Rodriquez’s care at their apartment. During this time, Doe’s mother lent her phone to Rodriquez. Months later on February 17, 2025, Doe’s mother discovered sexually explicit material involving her daughter had been emailed by Rodriquez using her phone while he was alone with Doe.
The investigation revealed that Rodriquez used Doe’s mother’s phone and Snapchat account at their apartment in Abilene to create child pornography involving Doe when she was fourteen years old before emailing it to himself so he could access it elsewhere. Detectives identified Rodriquez’s hand through distinctive tattoos seen in the video footage. In an interview with police officers from the Abilene Police Department (APD), Rodriquez acknowledged knowing both Jane Doe’s age—having attended her birthday party—and being present during the incident.
A victim stated at sentencing, “I am glad that I don’t have to see you anymore. Knowing I am safe from being hurt by you again gives me some peace.” A grand jury indicted Rodriguez in January 2026; he pleaded guilty two months later before being sentenced by U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix.
Homeland Security Investigations along with APD conducted the investigation; Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey R. Haag prosecuted.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation online as well as supporting victims’ recovery efforts through coordinated federal resources.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas covers about eight million residents across northern Texas within its approximately 96,000-square-mile jurisdiction; it prosecutes federal crimes including cases like this one while managing civil litigation for government interests through facilities located across several cities such as Dallas (Earle Cabell Federal Building), Fort Worth, Lubbock, Amarillo and Abilene; employing around one hundred assistant attorneys plus support staff—all under its mission promoting community trust via outreach initiatives, according to its official website.