A 52-year-old man from Spring, Texas, has pleaded guilty to sex trafficking of a minor, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Between August 26 and October 5, 2023, John Alberth communicated with a 16-year-old girl and offered her money in exchange for sexual acts and explicit photographs. Alberth admitted as part of his plea that he paid the minor using CashApp and requested images that were considered child sexual abuse material.
Investigators found text messages indicating Alberth was aware the victim was underage. Law enforcement agencies involved in the case included Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations, the Houston Police Department, and Sheriff’s Offices in Harris and Galveston County.
U.S. District Judge George P. Hanks is scheduled to sentence Alberth on January 30, 2026. He faces a potential sentence of up to life in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Alberth remains in custody until his sentencing hearing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Hileman is prosecuting the case under Project Safe Childhood (PSC), an initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. The program brings together federal, state, and local resources to identify offenders who exploit children online and assist victims. Additional information about PSC can be found on the DOJ’s PSC page, which also provides resources for internet safety education.
"
