ICE RGV, federal partner investigation results in the sentencing of a Mexican illegal alien for possession of sexually explicit images and videos of children

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A Mexican illegal alien was sentenced May 14 for possession of child sexual abuse material following an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with the assistance of U.S. Border Patrol.

Felix Raymundo Mora-Gonzalez, 47, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera to 70 months in federal prison. He was further ordered to pay $13,000 in restitution to the known victims and will serve 25 years on supervised release following the completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Mora-Gonzalez will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. Mora-Gonzalez pleaded guilty Feb. 20.

“Crimes against children are among the most disturbing we investigate,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Rio Grande Valley Deputy Special Agent in Charge Mark Lippa. “This sentencing sends a clear message that those who exploit the most vulnerable will face serious consequences. HSI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect children and bring predators to justice.”

According to court documents, Mora-Gonzalez was arrested Feb. 21, 2023, in connection with his involvement in an alien smuggling investigation. Mora-Gonzalez was originally arrested for harboring illegal aliens. However, the investigation uncovered a cell phone at the stash house that belonged to him. A forensic examination of the cell phone revealed Mora-Gonzalez knowingly possessed 29 videos and nine images of CSAM. He also pleaded guilty to the alien smuggling charges and was previously sentenced to 15 months.

Mora-Gonzalez remains in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ana C. Cano, Israel Cano and Joe Esquivel from the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case.

Members of the public can report crimes or suspicious activity by calling the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or by completing the online tip form.

For more information about HSI San Antonio and its public safety efforts in Central and South Texas, follow HSI San Antonio on X at @HSI_SanAntonio.