HSI Galveston, local partner investigation sends Galveston man to prison for 7 years for receiving, possessing child pornography

GALVESTON, Texas – A Galveston man was sentenced to seven years in federal prison Sept. 20 for receiving and possessing child pornography following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston, the Webster Police Department and Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Cedric Robert Cox, 53, was sentenced in the Southern District of Texas to seven years for each of the receiving and possessing convictions, but his terms will run concurrently for a total of seven years in prison. Cox was further ordered to pay $9,000 in restitution to known victims and will serve 10 years on supervised release following 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. Cox will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.

Cox pleaded guilty to the charges July 21, 2021.

In 2016, authorities discovered Cox using peer-to-peer file sharing software to obtain child pornography images and videos. They executed a search warrant at his residence and seized numerous devices. Further examination revealed the devices contained 32 images and 62 videos containing child pornography as well as search terms indicative of a sexual interest in children. Some of the videos depict a pre-pubescent minor female with her genitals exposed and engaging in various sex acts.

Cox was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined soon. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri L. Zack prosecuted the case.

For more news and information on HSI Houston’s efforts to aggressively investigate child exploitation and keep Southeast Texas communities safe from child predators follow us on Twitter @HSIHouston.