Laredo Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Sexual Exploitation Of Child
Thursday, October 3, 2024, 9:15 A.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
LAREDO, TX.- U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani reported, that on Monday, September 30, 2024, Aaron Hernandez, 25, of Laredo, Texas, appeared in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for the Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Possession of Child Pornography.
Hernandez previously pleaded guilty to the charges on May 29, 2024, before U.S. District Court Judge Diana Saldana. On Monday, Judge Saldana Hernandez to consecutive terms of 360 months and 240 months for the production and possession of child pornography guilty pleas, respectively. The sentence will run partially concurrently for 420 months in federal prison.
During Monday’s hearing, Judge Saldana heard from the victim’s father detailing how Hernandez’s conduct greatly affected the family and that the children do not deserve this harm. Additionally, Hernandez self-described himself as a monster, an animal, and a pig.
In handing down the sentences, Judge Saldana noted this was one of the most egregious forms of conduct she had seen, and how his conduct destroyed the lives of the victim and her family, and how there was nothing Hernandez could do or say that will make it better.
Judge Saldana further ordered Hernandez to pay $3,000 to a known victim and to serve ten years of supervised release upon the completion of his federal prison term. During that time, Hernandez will have to comply with multiple requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Further, Hernandez will be required to register as a sex offender in the national database.
Investigation Determines
The convictions and sentences stem from an investigation that began after law enforcement learned of a person in Laredo sharing child pornography through a “WhatsApp account linked to Hernandez.
On October 30, 2023, authorities executed a court-authorized search warrant at Hernandez’s home and seized multiple electronic devices. A subsequent forensic analysis of the devices uncovered 11 videos and 10 pictures containing child pornography in Hernandez’s devices. Of all the files, eleven included self-produced content of him sexually assaulting a child relative.
Hernandez Admits Guilt
Hernandez admitted to sending a video containing child pornography on WhatsApp and possessing videos containing child pornography on his computer. Hernandez further admitted to sexually touching two young children who were related to him.
“A home should be a sanctuary for every child, not a place where their innocence is exploited by those who are meant to protect it,” said U.S. Attorney Hamdani. “The sentence sends a clear message to those who commit unthinkable acts against children, especially those entrusted with their care, will be held accountable. We will continue to relentlessly pursue justice for victims and fight to protect them.
“Children deserve to live in a safe environment free from child predators. This is especially true when they are members of their own families,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI’s San Antonio field office. “The FBI and the Laredo Child Exploitation Task Force continue to work tirelessly to bring anyone who would harm a child to justice.”
Hernandez was ordered back to federal detention, where he has remained since his initial arrest. He will be transferred to a U.S. Bureau of Prison facility to serve his 35 years.
