Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Using A Communication Device To Entice A Minor

In Midland this afternoon, 21-year-old Juan Carlos Venegas, a Mexican citizen formerly living in Crane, TX, was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison followed by 20 years of supervised release for using a communication device to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent In Charge Dennis Ulrich.

On September 5, 2013, a federal jury convicted Venegas of knowingly using his cell phone on several occasions in June 2012 to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity with him.  Venegas fled to Mexico shortly after being arrested by Crane County Sheriff’s deputies in July 2012.  On February 16, 2013, approximately eight months after his initial arrest, Venegas was apprehended in Del Rio, TX, while attempting to re-enter the United States from Mexico.  He has remained in federal custody ever since.

This investigation was conducted by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Crane County Sheriff’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Austin Berry.