A man from Moundville, Alabama, has been sentenced to 328 months in federal prison for enticement of a minor. Angel Chavez-Heras, 35, was convicted after court documents showed he solicited sexually explicit images and videos from a 14-year-old victim in the Northern District of Mississippi using online applications. Authorities said Chavez-Heras traveled over two hours on at least two occasions to sexually assault the minor.
A search of Chavez-Heras’s electronic devices revealed evidence that he had similar interactions with other minors. Prosecutors indicated that charges related to those cases will be handled in separate jurisdictions.
Chief Judge Debra Brown handed down the sentence, which includes more than 27 years in prison and five years of supervised release. After serving his sentence, Chavez-Heras will be required to register as a sex offender and pay restitution to the victim.
“This sentence is a message to anyone who would think about traveling to the Northern District of Mississippi to prey on children – you will go to prison for a very long time,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “The case began with a concerned parent making a report to the Pontotoc P.D. about and unknown person contacting a child on social media, and Deputy Chief Nathan Gregory led an investigation that began with just a social media handle and a vehicle description that he tracked to the out of state defendant and then asked for assistance from HSI…this outstanding result represents what is possible with effective state and local collaboration.”
"HSI, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us—our children. The sentencing of this serial child molester for enticing a minor is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement and the justice system to hold perpetrators accountable,” said ICE HSI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune. “This case underscores the importance of vigilance, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety and security of every child in our nation."
Pontotoc Police Chief Bob Poe stated, “This department will do everything in our power to protect our kids from those who would abuse or exploit them, and I am proud that we were able to take a case without much to go on at first, and with the help of the Moundville P.D. and the Department of Homeland Security make sure that a serial child predator is behind bars where he belongs.”
The investigation was conducted by agents from both Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Pontotoc Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Parker S. King prosecuted this case under Project Safe Childhood—a national initiative aimed at addressing child sexual exploitation by coordinating resources across federal, state, and local agencies. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
