San Antonio dentist sentenced to 30 years for producing child sexual abuse material following HSI, local partner investigation

SAN ANTONIO — A Texas man was sentenced Jan. 25 to 30 years in federal prison for his role in the production of child sexual abuse material following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with help from state and local law enforcement agencies.

Abiel Alejandro Saldivar, 33, of San Antonio, was sentenced by a federal judge to 360 months in prison with a lifetime of supervised release and $45,000 in restitution. The judge also ordered him to pay $55,100 in special assessments.

Saldivar pleaded guilty May 3, 2023.

According to court documents, Saldivar worked as a dentist in San Antonio and messaged numerous minors on various social media apps, telling them he had nude images of them and that he would post the images if they did not engage in and record sexual activity for him. Saldivar was arrested on Jan. 21, 2022, and has remained in custody since.

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

“The defendant, a local pediatric dentist, was aggressively and ruthlessly sexually exploiting children via social media,” said U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas Jaime Esparza. “This case demonstrates the benefits of collaboration between local, state and federal law enforcement to serve victims and hold perpetrators — especially those who prey on the most vulnerable of our society — accountable.”

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 utilizing 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.