Goodyear man sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexual exploitation of minor following HSI investigation
GOODYEAR, Ariz. – A local area man was sentenced Feb. 3, to 20 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for sexually exploiting a minor, as a result of a probe by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Jesse Anthony Garcia, 30, of Goodyear, had previously admitted to recording a video in which a minor victim was engaged in exploitive exhibition or other sexual conduct, and attempting to record a video in which a minor victim was engaged in exploitive exhibition or other sexual conduct in 2016. Garcia pleaded guilty to one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, and one count of Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.
“This investigation demonstrates HSI’s unwavering commitment to rid our community of child predators who seek to violate our most innocent population,” said Scott Brown, special agent in charge for HSI Phoenix. “HSI won’t ever relent when it comes to protecting children and prosecuting predators whose perverse behavior has no place in our society.”
Upon release from prison, Garcia is subject to special terms of probation for sex offenders, and will have computer usage restrictions. Garcia will also be required to register as a sex offender.
“Criminals who commit despicable acts against children cannot hide behind computer screens,” said Attorney General Mark Brnovich. “Our partnerships with local, federal, and international authorities have helped lead to the arrest and conviction of individuals who abuse and exploit our youth.”
The case was investigated by HSI based upon an investigation initiated by the Queensland (Australia) State Police. Arizona Assistant Attorney General Todd Lawson prosecuted the case. More information on Garcia's criminal case.
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.
HSI is a directorate of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and 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 over 10,400 employees consists of more than 7,100 Special Agents assigned to 220 cities throughout the United States, and 80 overseas locations in 53 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’s largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.
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