Texas man sentenced for child exploitation following HSI Del Rio, local partner investigation

DEL RIO, Texas — A Texas man was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Sept. 26 for sexual exploitation of a child following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Del Rio with assistance from Del Rio Police Department.

A federal judge sentenced Trever Lloyd Sexton, 29, of Del Rio, to 240 months in federal prison followed by eight years of supervision and ordered him to pay a fine of $10,000.

According to court documents, between Dec. 1, 2019, and Feb. 19, 2020, Sexton caused a child victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct to produce child sexual abuse material. Sexton also placed a hidden camera in the child’s bathroom that recorded the victim showering. Forensic analysis of Sexton’s phone revealed a video and photos of him sexually molesting the child victim and 37 images depicting child sexual abuse of other prepubescent children.

“Thanks to the agents of HSI for helping us get another pedophile behind bars and out of our neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to take predators off the streets.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Rex G. Beasley and former Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the Western District of Texas Ben Tonkin and Steven Kam 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 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.