The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, Jay R. Combs, announced on Apr. 24 a series of recent convictions and sentences related to child sexual abuse and sex trafficking as part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
This announcement comes as the office joins national efforts to recognize victims and advocates under the theme, “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.” The cases highlight ongoing concerns about online exploitation and trafficking in East Texas.
Combs said, “The dark web has exploded into an unprecedented underground world of perversion and horror. Predators are using the internet to facilitate the abuse of children, as well as adult sex trafficking. The cases below highlight our relentless work to protect children in the Eastern District of Texas and beyond. We are also committed to bringing those who are engaged in sex trafficking in the Eastern District of Texas to justice.”
Recent prosecutions include indictments against teachers for child pornography offenses, convictions for distributing illegal images online, conspiracy charges involving forced prostitution through social media recruitment, and sentencing for various offenders receiving decades-long prison terms or life sentences for their crimes against minors. In one case from July 2025, Combs said at sentencing: “The ease with which Gomez was able to communicate with the minor victims here is a reminder of the constant threat that social media applications can pose to children... Our office is committed to stopping criminals like Gomez in their tracks, but the most important tool to stop online predators is an active and engaged parent.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office covers 43 counties across East Texas through offices located in Beaumont, Lufkin, Plano, Sherman, Texarkana and Tyler according to its official website. With about 100 staff members—including roughly 50 assistant U.S. attorneys—the office prosecutes federal crimes such as those highlighted this week while also handling civil litigation services according to its official website.
As part of its mission within the United States Department of Justice according to its official website, the organization supports victims through dedicated services while collaborating with agencies on community safety initiatives according to its official website.
Combs concluded by saying that achieving justice for victims remains a top priority during this observance week honoring both victims and advocates.
