The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi sentenced a man from Moundville, Alabama, to 328 months in prison today.
According to court documents, 35-year-old Angel Chavez-Heras solicited sexually explicit photos and videos from a 14-year-old victim in the Northern District of Mississippi via several online applications.
Chavez-Heras drove almost two hours to sexually attack the minor at least twice. When agents checked Chavez-Heras’ electronic devices, they discovered he had done this with several other juvenile victims. Charges in other jurisdictions will be investigated individually.
Chief Judge Debra Brown sentenced the defendants to almost 27 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Chavez-Heras will be compelled to register as a sex offender whenever he is released from prison. He will also have to make reparation to the child victim.
“This sentence is a message to anyone who would think about traveling to the Northern District of Mississippi to prey on children – you will go to prison for a very long time,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “The case began with a concerned parent making a report to the Pontotoc P.D. about and unknown person contacting a child on social media, and Deputy Chief Nathan Gregory led an investigation that began with just a social media handle and a vehicle description that he tracked to the out of state defendant and then asked for assistance from HSI…this outstanding result represents what is possible with effective state and local collaboration.”
“HSI, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us—our children. The sentencing of this serial child molester for enticing a minor is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement and the justice system to hold perpetrators accountable,” said ICE HSI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune. “This case underscores the importance of vigilance, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety and security of every child in our nation.”
Pontotoc Police Chief Bob Poe stated,
“This department will do everything in our power to protect our kids from those who would abuse or exploit them, and I am proud that we were able to take a case without much to go on at first, and with the help of the Moundville P.D. and the Department of Homeland Security make sure that a serial child predator is behind bars where he belongs.”
The Department of Homeland Security and the Pontotoc Police Department both looked into the situation.
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