A man from Moundville, Alabama has been sentenced to 328 months in federal prison for enticing a minor, following a case involving the solicitation of explicit images and sexual assault of a 14-year-old in the Northern District of Mississippi.
Court documents show that Angel Chavez-Heras, 35, used several online applications to obtain sexually explicit photos and videos from the minor. He traveled more than two hours on at least two occasions to sexually assault the victim. A search of his electronic devices revealed similar behavior with other minors, with additional charges expected in other jurisdictions.
Chief Judge Debra Brown imposed a sentence of over 27 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Upon completion of his sentence, Chavez-Heras will be required to register as a sex offender and pay restitution to the victim.
U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner commented on the sentencing: “This sentence is a message to anyone who would think about traveling to the Northern District of Mississippi to prey on children – you will go to prison for a very long time,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “The case began with a concerned parent making a report to the Pontotoc P.D. about and unknown person contacting a child on social media, and Deputy Chief Nathan Gregory led an investigation that began with just a social media handle and a vehicle description that he tracked to the out of state defendant and then asked for assistance from HSI…this outstanding result represents what is possible with effective state and local collaboration.”
ICE Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune stated: “HSI, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us—our children. The sentencing of this serial child molester for enticing a minor is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement and the justice system to hold perpetrators accountable,” said ICE HSI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune. “This case underscores the importance of vigilance, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety and security of every child in our nation.”
Pontotoc Police Chief Bob Poe also emphasized law enforcement’s dedication: “This department will do everything in our power to protect our kids from those who would abuse or exploit them, and I am proud that we were able to take a case without much to go on at first, and with the help of the Moundville P.D. and the Department of Homeland Security make sure that a serial child predator is behind bars where he belongs.”
The Department of Homeland Security and Pontotoc Police Department conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Parker S. King prosecuted this case under Project Safe Childhood, which is led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with federal agencies such as CEOS. This nationwide initiative coordinates resources across federal, state, and local agencies against online child exploitation; further information can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
