HSI San Antonio, local police investigation results in 20-year sentence for Texas man who distributed child sexual abuse material

SAN ANTONIO — A federal judge sentenced a San Antonio man to 20 years in federal prison for distribution of child sexual abuse material. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the San Antonio Police Department.

David Alejandro Bautista, 32, was sentenced by a federal judge Dec. 14 to 240 months in federal prison. The judge also ordered Bautista to pay $84,000 restitution and special assessments in the amounts of $100, $5,000 and $35,000. He must also forfeit his electronic devices.

“This lengthy two-decade prison sentence reflects the horrendous damage that has been caused and furthered by the defendant’s actions,” said U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas Jaime Esparza. “Thank you to our law enforcement partners for their critical investigation. Together, we will continue to track down and prosecute offenders in the interest of protecting innocent children and keeping our communities safe.”

According to court documents, Bautista distributed numerous files depicting prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Federal agents acted upon a search warrant and seized 21 electronic devices from his home, revealing more than 15,000 images and over 8,200 videos depicting child sexual abuse.

Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas Bettina Richardson prosecuted the case.

HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free tip line at 866-347-2423 or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock. From outside the United States and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users may call TTY 802-872-6196.

HSI takes a victim-centered approach to child exploitation investigations by working to identify, rescue and stabilize victims. HSI works in partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, ICAC partners, and other federal, state and local agencies to help solve cases and rescue sexually exploited children. You can report suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 800-THE-LOST.

HSI is a founding member 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.

One of HSI’s top priorities is to protect the public from crimes of victimization, and HSI’s child exploitation investigations program is a central component of this mission set. Further, HSI is recognized as a global leader in this investigative discipline. The directorate is committed to using its vast authorities, international footprint, and strong government and nongovernment partnerships to identify and rescue child victims; identify and apprehend offenders; prevent transnational child sexual abuse; and help make the internet a safer place for children.

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.