SAN ANTONIO — A Texas man was sentenced June 25 to eight years in federal prison for distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Kenard Booker, 62, of San Antonio, was sentenced by a federal judge to 106 months in prison to be immediately followed by 20 years of supervised release. Booker was also instructed to pay $10,000 in restitution and $5,000 under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. Booker pleaded guilty March 7.
“Child exploitation is one of HSI’s top investigative priorities and this sentence demonstrates our commitment to stopping these unthinkable offenses,” said HSI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “HSI will use every resource in its power to fully investigate and bring to justice those that prey on the most vulnerable of victims. Booker is now being held accountable for his actions and will no longer be a threat to our community.”
According to court documents, between December 2022 through April 2023, HSI completed an open-source download of child sexual abuse material regarding Booker’s electronic accounts. On May 23, 2023, HSI executed a federal search warrant and seized several dozen media devices. He was arrested the same day without incident.
HSI forensically analyzed Booker’s devices and recovered dozens of images and videos of child sexual abuse material.
Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas Bettina Richardson prosecuted the case.
HSI takes a victim-centered approach to child exploitation investigations by working to identify, rescue and stabilize victims. HSI works in partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Internet Crimes Against Children partners, and other federal, state and local agencies to help solve cases and rescue sexually exploited children. You can report suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 800-THE-LOST.
HSI is a founding member of the Virtual Global Taskforce, an international alliance of law enforcement agencies and private industry sector partners working together to prevent and deter online child sexual abuse.
One of HSI’s top priorities is to protect the public from crimes of victimization, and HSI’s child exploitation investigations program is a central component of this mission set. Further, HSI is recognized as a global leader in this investigative discipline. The directorate is committed to utilizing its vast authorities, international footprint and strong government and nongovernment partnerships to identify and rescue child victims; identify and apprehend offenders; prevent transnational child sexual abuse; and help make the internet a safer place for children.
About HSI
HSI is the principal investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security, responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance move. HSI’s workforce consists of over 10,000 employees, assigned to 235 offices within the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI's international presence represents the Department of Homeland Security’s largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.