Former BP Agent Sentenced for Attempting to Entice a Child

LAREDO, Texas – A 50-year-old former Border Patrol (BP) agent has been ordered to federal prison for attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Salvador Contreras pleaded guilty March 7, 2017.

Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo ordered Contreras to federal prison for 132 months. He will also serve 15 years of 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. He will further be ordered to register as a sex offender.

In handing down the sentence, Judge Marmolejo referenced the defendant's claim that this was all part of a fantasy, noting he travelled a very long way to make the fantasy a reality. She further commented that she did not sense any real empathy from Contreras for what he was going to do and mentioned that some of his comments at the hearing were troubling. Contreras called himself a sex addict and that he was just "looking for his next high."

Contreras was arrested Dec. 2, 2016, in Cotulla. Prior to that, he had been in contact with an undercover agent whom he believed had an eight and 14-year-old daughters. During their conversations, Contreras transmitted numerous images of child pornography. He then travelled from Del Rio to Cotulla believing he would be engaging in sexual activity with both minor females. He was arrested upon his arrival and resigned shortly thereafter.

Customs and Border Protection - Office of Inspector General and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfredo De La Rosa prosecuted the case.