South Texas man pleads guilty to attempting to transport weapons and possession of child sexual abuse material following HSI RGV, federal partner investigation

McALLEN, Texas — A South Texas man pleaded guilty to straw purchasing and possessing child sexual abuse material on his cellphone following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Jose Angel Hinojosa Jr., 36, of Weslaco, pleaded guilty Jan. 19 before U.S. District Judge John D. Rainey. As part of his plea, Hinojosa admitted to attempting to smuggle more than 40 firearms.

According to court documents, from June 5, 2016, through May 9, 2022, Hinojosa engaged in straw purchasing firearms from an online gun broker. He then arranged for the weapons to be exported into Mexico. Law enforcement officials were able to locate several weapons tied to Hinojosa.

During the firearms investigation, authorities also learned of possible crimes involving child sexual abuse material. They executed search warrants and found several videos on his phone showing minors engaging in sexual conduct. Hinojosa admitted to receiving child sexual abuse material on his cellphone from various third parties.

“Hinojosa not only illegally possessed dozens of firearms with plans to send them to Mexico; he also possessed videos of children undertaking in sexual conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. “This case is an example of the multitude of crimes the Southern District’s prosecutors fight on a daily basis, and whether it’s transporting firearms or possessing child pornography, this office will seek to hold those like Hinojosa accountable.”

Rainey has set sentencing for April 24. At that time, Hinojosa faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine.

Hinojosa was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas Eric D. Flores is prosecuting the case.

HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 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.