A south Texas soccer coach has been sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of children, following a U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations probe.
The ICE Homeland Security Investigations Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Task Force led the investigation that resulted in the arrest of Oscar Hinojosa, 36, of Mexico and residing in Pharr, Texas, according to a March 18 ICE news release. He was sentenced to 210 months in prison, which will be followed by 10 years of supervised release.
“With this sentencing, we have removed a dangerous child predator from the community and sent a message that we are committed to aggressively pursuing anyone who seeks to exploit children,” Shane Folden, special agent-in-charge HSI San Antonio, said in the news release.
Court documents reported Hinojosa cultivated a relationship with a 15-year-old through his position as a soccer coach from March 2020 to June 2021. He reportedly expressed sexual desire for the minor and instructed her to send sexually explicit photos of herself. He reportedly also attempted to build a similar relationship with another minor female on his soccer team, but was unsuccessful.
"In handing down the prison terms, the court noted the soccer coach was in a position of trust which he abused by grooming the child as well as her mother," the release reported.
It was reported Hinojosa is not a U.S. citizen so he does not have legal status to reside in the country and faces removal proceedings upon the completion of his sentence. During his supervised release after serving his prison term, Hinojosa will be restricted in his access to children and the internet. He will be required to register as a sex offender.
