Asherton Man Sentenced To 20 Years In Federal Prison For Receiving Child Porn

In Del Rio this afternoon, 60-year-old Abel De Leon of Asherton, TX, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for receiving child pornography announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Janice Ayala.

Court records reflect that HSI agents who were conducting an investigation into on-line exploitation of minors executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence in November 2012 and seized several DVDs, a computer and related equipment. A subsequent forensics examination of the seized items revealed the presence of over 100 videos and images depicting sexual exploitation of pre-pubescent children.

On June 5, 2013, De Leon pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography.  By pleading guilty, De Leon admitted to receiving child pornography since approximately 2012, including 48 videos via the Internet.

“This 20-year sentence sends a clear message that those who exploit children in any way will face serious consequences,” said Special Agent in Charge Janice Ayala, HSI San Antonio. “Preventing and investigating crimes against children is a high priority for HSI. We will continue to dedicate law enforcement resources to identify and bring to justice child predators who traumatize and victimize children.”

This case was investigated by special agents with HSI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew H. Watters, Katherine Nielsen, and Meghan McCalla.