McAllen Man Pleads Guilty, Recording Himself Having Sex With Child

Thursday, October 17, 2024, 10:30 A.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By George Petruska: Englebrook Independent News

MCALLEN, TX.- On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani reported that Christian Hanks, 29, of McAllen, Texas, appeared in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and pleaded guilty to Enticement of a Minor; and Production of Child Pornography.

     Following entering his guilty pleas, U.S. District Court Judge Michael Alvarez accepted Hanks’ guilty plea and scheduled sentencing for January 15, 2024. At that time, Hanks faces up to 30 years in federal prison for the production of child pornography and up to Life in federal prison for enticing a second minor.

Federal Investigators Uncover Crimes

     According to documents filed with the court, in December 2023, video recorded himself engaged in sexual acts with a minor. During the investigation, federal investigators uncovered that Hanks engaged in a conversation with another minor victim in Louisiana and enticed her to engage in sexual conduct with him.

     Investigators also found that Hanks had engaged in sexual intercourse with a second minor victim. 

     Following Tuesday’s hearing, Judge Alvarez ordered Hanks to remain in federal custody, where he has been detained since his initial arrest.

     U.S. Attorney Hamdani commended the Homeland Security Investigations agents in Texas and Louisiana for investigating and convicting Hanks.

     The 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 sexual exploitation and abuse.