Arizona man sentenced to 17 years for sexually exploiting 14-month-old relative following HSI Flagstaff, Navajo County Sheriff investigation

HOLBROOK, Ariz. — A Clay Springs man was sentenced in Navajo County Superior Court Feb. 22 to 17 years in prison for sexual crimes against a 14-month-old relative. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents and the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office’s Major Crimes Apprehension Team (MCAT) investigated this case.

“The diligent and extensive investigative work by HSI special agents and the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Apprehension Team led to the identification and prosecution of this defendant who will face the consequences for his despicable actions,” said HSI Arizona Special Agent in Charge Fransisco B. Burrola. “This lengthy sentence will allow him ample time to think of the heinous crimes he committed against an infant.”

On Aug. 2, 2023, HSI agents notified the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Apprehension Team that they had discovered Joshuah Cruz Eberhart, 25, of Clay Springs, was distributing child sex abuse material online.

The two agencies immediately began collaborating on an investigation that resulted in Eberhart’s arrest on Aug. 3, 2023. He confessed that he had appeared in, produced and distributed the sexually explicit video, which included a male relative who was a toddler at the time of filming.

Eberhart remained in custody at the Navajo County Jail during the investigation, and he pleaded guilty in January. He was convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor, a Class 2 felony, that carries a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of 24 years in prison.

The court found several aggravating factors that called for a sentence greater than the minimum; one was the fact that Eberhart was in a position of trust and authority over the child. Eberhart will not be eligible for early release or parole and must serve the entirety of his sentence. Upon release from prison, he must register as a sex offender.

“Crimes against children are an absolute priority to me and the entire Navajo County Sheriff’s Office. This is a great example of partnership between the Navajo County Major Crimes Apprehension Team and Homeland Security. I admire the aggressive prosecution by the Navajo County Attorney’s Office,” said Navajo County Sheriff David Clouse. “Unfortunately, the Sheriff’s Office investigates these crimes too often. If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault or any other crimes committed against children, please call local law enforcement.”

“Thanks to the tremendous investigation and cooperation between Homeland Security Investigations and MCAT, this dangerous sex offender is no longer free to harm or exploit children in our community,” said Navajo County Attorney Brad Carlyon. “I am grateful for their efforts and for those of our deputy county attorney who prosecuted this case. Crimes against children are particularly heinous. It is incumbent upon those of us in the criminal justice system to secure justice for all victims, especially those who are unable to advocate for themselves.”

HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free tip line at 866-347-2423 or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock. From outside the United States and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users may call TTY 802-872-6196.

HSI takes a victim-centered approach to child exploitation investigations by working to identify, recover 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 the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), 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 of more than 8,700 employees consists of more than 6,000 special agents assigned to 237 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’ largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.