A Mexican national residing illegally in Laredo has been indicted on charges related to child sexual assault material, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Alfredo Gutierrez-Cantu, 28, was originally charged by criminal complaint on August 21 and remains in custody as he awaits further proceedings. He is expected to appear before a U.S. magistrate judge in Laredo soon.
Authorities allege that Gutierrez-Cantu came under investigation after law enforcement discovered a Google account associated with a Laredo address containing child sexual assault material (CSAM). The account was allegedly owned by Gutierrez-Cantu, who lived at the location.
The indictment claims that Gutierrez-Cantu participated in group chats where links led him to a website hosting about 500 CSAM files. During the execution of a search warrant, authorities seized several electronic devices which reportedly contained multiple images and videos of CSAM. One video showed three minors engaged in sexual acts, which Gutierrez-Cantu allegedly said he “forgot to delete” because he was too busy.
“The allegations, if true, demonstrate that the defendant is somebody who shouldn’t be in our country, and definitely shouldn’t be out walking the streets of our community,” said Ganjei. “The Southern District of Texas won’t pull any punches when it comes to border security or the investigation and apprehension of those who consume child sexual abuse materials.”
If convicted, Gutierrez-Cantu could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and the Laredo Child Exploitation Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. PSC brings together federal, state, and local resources to prosecute offenders and identify victims; more information can be found on the DOJ’s PSC page as well as its internet safety education resources.
Officials remind that an indictment is only a formal accusation; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty through due process.
