McALLEN, Texas - Carmen Alonzo, 58, of Progreso, Texas, has been handed a 72-month prison term for engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign country, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today along with Jerry Robinette, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in San Antonio. Alonzo pleaded guilty to the charge Feb. 2, 2012.

Today, U.S. District Court Judge Randy Crane heard arguments in regards to the sentencing enhancements and ultimately found that Alonzo had unduly influenced the minor to engage in the prohibited sexual conduct. Judge Crane further ordered Alonzo to serve three years of supervised release following completion of the prison term and that he register as a sex offender. Alonzo was also ordered to have no contact with the 14-year-old victim.

“Exploitation of children in any form is despicable, but sexual exploitation is particularly heinous,” said Robinette. “HSI will go the extra mile to catch those individuals who prey on these innocent victims. Identifying and investigating those who victimize children is one of HSI's most important responsibilities and HSI is committed to hunting down these predators.”

The case against Alonzo began in July 2011, when Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents encountered a minor female as she was headed southbound through the Progreso Port of Entry. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted an investigation and learned Alonzo, who had been employed by the company that owns the bridge at the Progreso Port of Entry, engaged in illicit sexual conduct with this minor while in Mexico. At the hearing in which he entered his plea, Alonzo admitted that from Jan. 1, 2010, through April 30, 2010, he traveled into Mexico and had sexual intercourse with the minor.

Alonzo has been in custody since his Aug. 4, 2011, arrest where he will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prison facility to be determined in the near future.
 
The investigation leading to the charges against Alonzo was conducted by HSI and CBP. Assistant United States Attorneys Kimberly Ann Leo and Kristen Rees prosecuted the case.