A Corpus Christi man, Angel Valdez, 19, has been convicted of distributing child sexual abuse materials in a case involving international law enforcement. The investigation began after Valdez made a social media comment supporting someone convicted of animal cruelty in Australia, leading Australian authorities to engage with him undercover. During these exchanges, Valdez expressed interest in child sexual abuse materials and, on February 14, 2024, sent a video of such materials to an adult female, as per the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement release.
A joint operation between the Corpus Christi Police Department and Australian law enforcement led to a search of Valdez's home on June 28, 2024. Authorities found a laptop containing the illicit materials. Valdez later admitted to distributing the video.
Valdez is scheduled for sentencing on August 12 and faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Overman is handling the prosecution. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has encouraged the public to follow updates on their efforts to combat child exploitation through their official social media.
