GALVESTON, Texas — A previously convicted sex offender has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for receiving, possessing and distributing child pornography following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston’s Galveston office, the Pearland Police Department, and the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Robert James Alden, a 37-year-old San Leon resident, was ordered to pay $22,000 in restitution to known victims and will serve 10 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he must comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. At the time of the offense, Alden was a registered sex offender and will continue to be upon release from custody.
Alden pleaded guilty to the charges on April 11, 2023. At the time of his plea, Alden admitted to communicating with someone he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. During the message exchange, Alden requested nude photos from her, sent a video of child sexual abuse to her, and suggested they produce their own pornographic videos. On March 9, 2021, authorities executed a federal search warrant and recovered multiple media devices, including Alden’s phone, which contained multiple images and videos of child sexual abuse.
In handing down the sentence, the court noted that it reflected the severity of the materials Alden was using and his propensity to predation.
Alden will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard W. Bennett prosecuted the case.
For more news and information on HSI Houston’s efforts to aggressively investigate child exploitation and child pornography in Southeast Texas follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, @HSIHouston.
About HSI
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.