Mexican National Sentenced for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material
Overview of the Case
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A significant legal development occurred on May 14 when Felix Raymundo Mora-Gonzalez, a 47-year-old Mexican national, was sentenced for the possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The case was part of a broader investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in collaboration with the U.S. Border Patrol.
Sentencing Details
Mora-Gonzalez was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera. In addition to the prison term, he is obligated to pay $13,000 in restitution to known victims. After his prison term, he will undergo 25 years of supervised release, during which he will be subject to stringent restrictions aimed at minimizing his access to children and the internet. Furthermore, Mora-Gonzalez is mandated to register as a sex offender.
He had initially pleaded guilty to these charges on February 20.
Authorities’ Remarks
According to Mark Lippa, Deputy Special Agent in Charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in the Rio Grande Valley, "Crimes against children are among the most disturbing we investigate." He emphasized that this sentencing serves as a powerful message to those who exploit vulnerable populations. HSI remains dedicated to partnering with law enforcement agencies to protect children and hold predators accountable.
The Investigation
The investigation leading to Mora-Gonzalez’s arrest began on February 21, 2023, when he was apprehended in an alien smuggling investigation. Initially, he was arrested for harboring illegal aliens. However, a forensic examination following his arrest revealed troubling evidence. Investigators found a cell phone belonging to Mora-Gonzalez at a stash house, which contained 29 videos and nine images of CSAM.
In addition to the possession charges, he also pleaded guilty to the alien smuggling charges and received a 15-month sentence for those offenses.
Next Steps
Mora-Gonzalez remains in custody as he awaits his transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility, which will be determined in the near future.
Legal Proceedings
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ana C. Cano, Israel Cano, and Joe Esquivel from the Southern District of Texas, reflecting the judicial system’s commitment to tackling such heinous crimes.
Reporting Suspicious Activity
Members of the public can play an essential role in combating crimes against children. If you observe suspicious activity or believe you have information related to a crime, you can report it by contacting the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Felix Raymundo Mora-Gonzalez is a crucial step in the ongoing fight against child exploitation. Such actions reflect the commitment of various law enforcement agencies to safeguard children and bring those who prey on the innocent to justice. To stay informed about safety initiatives in Central and South Texas, follow HSI San Antonio on X for updates and further information.
By participating actively in vigilance against these crimes, individuals can help create a safer community for all.
