Raleigh man receives 25-year sentence for distribution of child sexual abuse material

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Daniel P. Bubar Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina | Department of Justice

Raleigh man receives 25-year sentence for distribution of child sexual abuse material

Christopher Pacas-Aragon, a resident of Raleigh, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Pacas-Aragon pleaded guilty to the charge on February 11, 2025.

“There is no place in our community for those who distribute child sexual abuse material, which only perpetuates the unspeakable crimes these victims have endured,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar. “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of this horrific crime and our continued commitment to pursuing those who exploit children online.”

“This sentencing sends a clear message: those who exploit or harm children will be identified, investigated, and held fully accountable,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Charlotte Special Agent in Charge Cardell T. Morant who also oversees North and South Carolina. “HSI remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities and working with our law enforcement partners to ensure predators face justice.”

Court documents show that Pacas-Aragon, age 27 and a registered sex offender, uploaded CSAM using the KIK messenger application. The investigation began when the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Data System provided information that a KIK user had uploaded three videos containing CSAM; this user was later identified as Pacas-Aragon. Law enforcement from the Raleigh Police Department (RPD) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a warrant at his residence on November 1, 2022, where they found over 20,000 instances of CSAM.

Daniel P. Bubar announced the sentencing after it was handed down by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The case was investigated by RPD, HSI, and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leonard Champaign.

This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood—a national initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at fighting child sexual exploitation and abuse through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local agencies. More details about Project Safe Childhood can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc.