DEL RIO, Texas — A Texas man was sentenced June 3 to eight years in federal prison for possession of child sexual abuse material following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Henry P. Arredondo, 23, of Del Rio, was sentenced by a federal judge to 97 months. He pleaded guilty Nov. 21, 2022.
“The eight-year sentence imposed on Arredondo sends a clear message that there are serious consequences for those who exploit children in any way,” said HSI San Antonio acting Special Agent in Charge Alejandro M. Amaro. “Targeting crimes of this nature is a high priority for HSI. We will continue to dedicate HSI resources to identify and bring to justice these individuals."
According to court documents, Arredondo received and sent files depicting child sexual abuse using his social media account in August 2021. HSI conducted a forensic analysis of Arredondo’s cellphone, recovering 46 such images, including images of prepubescent boys. Arredondo was arrested Aug. 26, 2022.
Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas Rex Beasley prosecuted the case.
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.
About HSI
HSI is the principal investigative arm of the 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 consists of over 10,000 employees, assigned to 235 offices within the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI's international presence represents the Department of Homeland Security’s largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.