A Raleigh man with prior convictions related to sexual offenses has been handed a stern 25-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Christopher Pacas-Aragon, 27, a registered sex offender, admitted to sharing such material via the KIK messenger application. "There is no place in our community for those who distribute child sexual abuse material, which only perpetuates the unspeakable crimes these victims have endured," Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar said, according to an announcement from the Department of Justice.
Law enforcement was tipped off by the Internet Crimes Against Children Data System, which indicated that a user, later confirmed to be Pacas-Aragon, had uploaded explicit videos involving minors. Investigators moved quickly to thoroughly investigate and then to detain Pacas-Aragon on November 1, 2022, after executing a warrant at his residence, where they discovered over 20,000 instances of CSAM. "This sentencing sends a clear message: those who exploit or harm children will be identified, investigated, and held fully accountable," ICE Homeland Security Investigations Charlotte Special Agent in Charge Cardell T. Morant told, underscoring the unwavering commitment to safeguarding vulnerable members of the community.
The case was prosecuted by the Eastern District of North Carolina and tried by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Raleigh Police Department (RPD), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. The stern judgment reflects a nationwide effort, as this case falls under Project Safe Childhood, which aims to combat the growing trend of child exploitation online.
Project Safe Childhood, initiated by the Department of Justice in May 2006, brings together various levels of law enforcement to more effectively locate and prosecute internet-based exploiters of children, and importantly, to identify and provide aid to the victims. Through this initiative, investigations like the one that ended in Pacas-Aragon's sentencing promise to help send a powerful deterrent signal. Per "our continued commitment to pursuing those who exploit children online," Bubar asserted, reflecting the gravity with which these crimes are approached.
