Texas man admits to abusing minor relative to produce child sexual abuse material

LAREDO, Texas — A South Texas man pleaded guilty March 7 to sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Laredo Police Department.

Aaron Negrete, 26, from Laredo, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña.

According to court documents, the investigation began when authorities learned an IP address associated with Negrete had uploaded child sexual abuse material online. On Oct. 12, 2022, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at Negrete’s home. At that time, they found and seized several electronic devices containing child pornography and took Negrete into custody.

Negrete admitted to downloading an app to search for child sexual abuse material involving baby and toddler abuse. He also sexually abused a minor relative, recorded himself doing so, and shared the recordings and photographs online.

The investigation revealed that the minor visited Negrete and stayed at his residence in Laredo. The victim claimed that on more than 50 instances, Negrete forced the minor to rub his genitals and took naked pictures of him. He told his victim to keep it a secret to prevent “something bad” from happening.

Saldaña will sentence Negrete at a later date. Negrete faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. The maximum sentence is 30 years’ imprisonment.

Negrete remains in custody pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Makens of the Southern District of Texas is prosecuting 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 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 (DHS), 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’s largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.