McALLEN, Texas — A South Texas man pleaded guilty to enticement of a minor and production of child pornography following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Task Force.
Christian Hanks, 29, pleaded guilty to both crimes.
According to court documents, Hanks recorded himself with a minor victim in December 2023. The investigation also revealed Hanks had engaged in conversation with another minor victim in the Western District of Louisiana to entice her to engage in sexual conduct with him. The investigation revealed he also engaged in sexual intercourse with the second minor victim.
U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez will impose sentencing Jan. 15, 2025. At that time, Hanks faces up to 30 years in federal prison for the production of child pornography and up to life for enticing the second minor victim.
Hank remains in custody pending that hearing.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the Southern District of Texas Cahal P. McColgan and Earl M. Campbell 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.