EL PASO – A Socorro man was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for receipt and distribution of child sexual exploitation material.
According to court documents, law enforcement became aware that Hector Anthony Segura, 33, had distributed approximately 17 videos in October 2020 containing child sexual abuse material. With consent from Segura, FBI agents searched several of his electronic devices. Over 1,000 videos depicting child sexual abuse material were found on the devices.
On May 31, 2022, Segura pleaded guilty to one count of receipt and distribution of a visual depiction involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.
Segura was arrested on January 21, 2022. He has remained in federal custody since his arrest.
“Our office is proud to have secured the conviction and sentence in this case against an individual who received and distributed an alarming amount of child sexual abuse material,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “We remain committed to protecting our community and prosecuting those who contribute to the exploitation of children.”
“Today’s sentencing sends a strong message that there are serious consequences for those who would harm children by distributing and trading images of child pornography,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey R. Downey. “It is impossible to measure the suffering these victims have endured, and hopefully this will help them on their long road to recovery. The FBI is committed to finding perpetrators of this terrible crime and seeking justice for all who have been victimized.”
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Valenzuela prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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