followed by five years of supervised release for possession of 12,457 images of child pornography announced

United States Attorney Richard Durbin, Jr. and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in

Charge Shane Folden, San Antonio.

During Monday’s sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Alia Moses also ordered that Valdez pay $13,500

restitution to his victims and forfeit the computers, hundreds of CDs, and other property he used in the

commission of the offense.

On October 27, 2016, Valdez pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. By pleading

guilty, Valdez admitted that from January 1, 2000 through July 15, 2015, he accessed and viewed child

pornography.

On July 15, 2015, HSI agents executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence and seized the defendant’s

computers, hard drives, over 2,000 CDs and DVDs, and other related material. A forensics examination of the

seized items revealed the presence of hundreds of videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children.

“This 8-year federal prison sentence sends a clear message that those who exploit children in any way will face

serious consequences,” said Special Agent in Charge, Shane Folden, HSI San Antonio. “Investigating and

preventing crimes against children is a high priority for HSI. We will continue to dedicate law enforcement

resources to identify and bring to justice child predators who traumatize and victimize children.”

Assistant United States Attorney Matthew H. Watters prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.