McAllen Man Sent Back To Prison On Federal Child Pornography Offense

Friday, September 27, 2024, 1:15 P.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

MCALLEN, TX.- On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, Rene Javier Sarmienta, 43, of McAllen, Texas, appeared in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Randy Crane to 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release for Possession of Child Pornography.

     According to U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani, Sarmienta had previously pleaded guilty to the charge on March 20, 2023.

     On Tuesday, in handing down the prison sentence, Judge Crane noted it was unfortunate that Sarmienta had relapsed and needs therapy. Judge Crane also ordered Sarmienta to pay $3,000 in restitution to each of the twelve victims. Judge Crane also noted his previous conviction of possessing child pornography in 2022 and now will be spending another significant amount of his life in federal prison.

     According to documents filed with the court, an investigation began when investigators learned that Sarmienta had been purchasing child pornography using a PayPal account. He also failed to report having several social media accounts to local law enforcement as required due to his status as a convicted sex offender.

Investigators Find 6,300 Images Of Child Pornography

     A subsequent forensic examination of Sarmienta’s cell phone uncovered 6,300 digital images of child pornography. Many of the images included prepubescent children and sadomasochistic conduct.

     Sarmienta will remain in federal custody pending his transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined at a later date.

     This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation and abuse.