Second area man sent to prison for child pornography charges

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 68-year-old Brownsville man has been ordered to prison following his convictions of distributing and possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan Patrick. Arnoldo Villagomez  pleaded guilty Jan. 4, 2018.

Today, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera Jr. sentenced Villagomez to 120 months for the distribution and possession convictions, respectively. The sentences will run concurrently for a total 10-year term of imprisonment. Villagomez was further ordered to pay $263,952.83 in restitution to the known victims and will 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. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.

In July 2016, authorities learned an as-yet-unidentified individual in Brownsville was involved in distributing child pornography via the internet. The investigation led them to an address in Brownsville where Villagomez resided.

Law enforcement executed a search warrant Nov. 9, 2016, and seized a computer and other digital devices belonging to Villagomez. Forensic analysis later revealed more than 5,000 images and 145 videos of child pornography.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations - 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(PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.