League City Woman Sentenced for Receiving Child Pornography Via Text and Online Messaging

GALVESTON, Texas - A 46-year-old woman has been ordered to federal prison following her conviction of receipt of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Tracey Lynn Bautista pleaded guilty Jan. 26, 2017.

Today, U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. ordered Bautista to serve 112 months in federal prison. In handing down the sentence, Judge Hanks noted the horrific nature of Bautista’s actions that the photos she sent would be out there forever. He stated it was his job to protect those who cannot help themselves. Bautista was further ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release following completion of her prison term, during which time she will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict her access to children and the Internet. She will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.

Bautista came to the attention of law enforcement after investigators found evidence she was receiving child pornography from an individual who had been arrested for the promotion of child pornography. Investigators found several child pornography images and videos which were sent to Bautista via text messaging and the online messaging application known as Kik Messenger. Bautista acknowledged receipt of these images by responding “nice” and “[w]ow. [g]ood pic.”

Additionally, investigators found text messages in which Bautista discusses a minor relative with this individual. Bautista offered to get pictures of the minor relative for him and later sent a photo of a teenage female relative who is topless with her breasts exposed.

At the hearing today, the court heard testimony that she had communicated with yet another individual about obtaining nude photos of the same minor relative.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Montgomery County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office conducted the investigation.

This case, prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Ann Leo, 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."