Brownsville Man Sentenced on Child Pornography Charge

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 43-year old U.S. citizen has been ordered to federal prison following his admission that he possessed child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Donavan Lyle Herrera pleaded guilty Feb. 6, 2019. 

Today, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera Jr. sentenced Herrera to 121 months of federal imprisonment. He will also serve 10 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Herrera will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. A hearing will be held at a later date to determine restitution.

On or about Oct. 19, 2018, law enforcement initiated an investigation of child pornography sharing which led them to Herrera’s address in Brownsville. On Nov. 15, 2018, authorities executed a search warrant at Herrera’s home at which time they seized a computer and other digital devices. A forensic analysis resulted in the discovery of approximately 41 images and 81 videos of child pornography.

He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) - Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Task Force conducted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ana C. Cano prosecuted the case which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."