DEL RIO, Texas — A South Texas man was sentenced 10 years in prison for coercion and enticement of a minor.
Alejandro Zavala, 31, was sentenced by a federal judge on Sept. 25 to 120 months in prison. He pleaded guilty Sept. 26, 2022.
“With ever increasing access to communication platforms, HSI must continue to stay a step ahead of those who exploit technology to facilitate crimes against children. Alejandro Zavala will serve the next 10 years in federal prison for using social media to entice a minor,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig S. Larrabee. “This sentencing sends a powerful message to those who prey on the innocent and serves as a reminder of the work necessary to catch these predators and remove them from our communities.”
According to court documents, Zavala initiated contact with a 15-year-old on Snapchat. The two regularly communicated, holding conversations that were often sexual in nature. On two occasions, Zavala engaged in sexual acts with the child. The child was reported missing during one of the occasions, prompting investigators with the Val Verde County Sheriff’s Office to locate and interview the child victim.
Zavala was arrested by federal authorities Oct. 29, 2021.
Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas Rex Beasley 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.