Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A 19-year-old resident of Corpus Christi, Texas, has pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography, according to U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The investigation into Angel Valdez began in December 2023. Valdez had left a comment on a social media platform supporting an individual recently imprisoned in Australia for animal cruelty. This comment prompted Australian law enforcement to investigate further, leading to undercover conversations with Valdez. During these communications, Valdez discussed his interest in animal cruelty, which evolved into involvement with child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
On February 14, 2024, Valdez sent a video depicting CSAM, which included a nude prepubescent girl and a masked nude adult female. The video showed the child forced to engage in inappropriate acts.
A search warrant executed on June 28, 2024, uncovered a laptop containing CSAM. Valdez admitted to participating in the online conversation and distributing the material.
Sentencing will be imposed on August 12 by U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos. Valdez could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. He remains in custody pending the hearing.
The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and the Corpus Christi Police Department, with assistance from Australian authorities.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Overman. It is part of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative by the Department of Justice launched in May 2006 to address child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative organizes federal, state, and local resources to prosecute offenders and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood and internet safety education, the public is encouraged to visit the Department of Justice’s PSC page online.
