Del Rio man receives a 78-month federal prison sentence for child pornography. Snapchat misuse exposed. Community reporting crucial for law enforcement action.
Snapchat Misuse Leads to Significant Prison Term
In a recent federal court decision, a Del Rio man, Leeroy Hinojosa, has been sentenced to 78 months in prison and ordered to pay a $35,000 special assessment for the receipt of child pornography. The case highlights the misuse of the popular mobile app Snapchat, with Hinojosa knowingly targeting underage individuals for explicit content.
Hinojosa’s arrest and subsequent sentencing underscore the importance of community vigilance. Members of the community reported Hinojosa’s suspicious activities, enabling local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Customs and Border Protection, Del Rio Police Department, and TX DPS, to collaborate effectively.
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Community Vigilance and Law Enforcement Collaboration
Leeroy Hinojosa, 35, utilized Snapchat to engage with two minors, explicitly requesting and receiving illicit content. The victims provided Hinojosa with 129 images and 106 videos of child pornography. The severity of the offense led to Hinojosa’s arrest on December 17, 2020, and subsequent federal custody. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza emphasizes the vital role of community members in reporting such incidents, ensuring the investigation and prosecution of individuals who endanger minors.
Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of the HSI San Antonio Division emphasizes the commitment of law enforcement agencies to collaborate in combating child exploitation. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to protect children from sexual predators and hold offenders accountable for their crimes.
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