Southeast Texas man pleads guilty to producing child pornography
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A Southeast Texas man pleaded guilty Monday to producing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson, Southern District of Texas.
This investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of the Victoria County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office.
James Peyton Busbee Jr., 30, from Victoria, Texas, pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge John D. Rainey; sentencing is set for Feb. 1. At that time, Busbee faces a minimum of 15 and up to 30 years in federal prison. Upon completion of any prison term imposed, Busbee also faces a maximum of life on supervised release during which time the court can impose a number of special conditions designed to protect children and prohibit the use of the Internet.
On Feb. 3, authorities responded to Busbee’s residence in reference to the possible sexual assault of a child. A minor male relative was identified and confirmed the abuse. Busbee also admitted to sexually assaulting the child.
"While rescuing children from these dangerous situations is our immediate concern, it should also be noted that there will be no refuge from justice for the individuals who engage in this vile behavior,” said Brian M. Moskowitz, special agent in charge of HSI Houston. “We will remain vigilant on behalf of those who cannot protect themselves.
A forensic examination of Busbee’s phone led to the discovery of an electronic video depicting Busbee involved in sexually explicit conduct with the child. Busbee was arrested on the federal charges in April and has been in custody since that time where he will remain pending his sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hugo R. Martinez, Southern District of Texas, is prosecuting this case.
This investigation was conducted under HSI’s Operation Predator, an international initiative to protect children from sexual predators. Since the launch of Operation Predator in 2003, HSI has arrested more than 12,000 individuals for crimes against children, including the production and distribution of online child pornography, traveling overseas for sex with minors, and sex trafficking of children. In fiscal year 2014, more than 2,300 individuals were arrested by HSI special agents under this initiative and more than 1,000 victims identified or rescued.
HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196. Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST.
For additional information about wanted suspected child predators, download HSI’s Operation Predator smartphone app or visit the online suspect alerts page. HSI is a founding member and current chair of the Virtual Global Taskforce, an international alliance of law enforcement agencies and private industry sector partners working together to prevent and deter online child sexual abuse.
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