A Corpus Christi resident pleaded guilty on Mar. 31 to production of child pornography, according to Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
The case is significant as it highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement and federal prosecutors to address the exploitation of children through online crimes. The defendant, Troy Vasquez, age 31, was investigated after authorities discovered he had uploaded child pornography over the internet. During a search at his home, investigators found that he had created child sexual abuse material just one day before the search.
A forensic review of Vasquez’s phone uncovered another video recorded two days after Christmas in which he encouraged a three-year-old child to perform sexual acts. He will remain in custody until sentencing by U.S. District Judge David Morales on June 20, where he faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine.
The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Overman prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide.
The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas has included notable figures such as Alamdar Hamdani and Ryan Patrick among its former leaders according to the official history page. The office operates locations in Houston, Galveston, Corpus Christi, Laredo, McAllen and Brownsville as described on its official website. It is part of the U.S. Department of Justice and serves under the Attorney General according to its official website.
Additionally, more than 200 attorneys work for this office covering 43 counties with a population exceeding nine million as detailed on its official website. The office focuses on prosecuting federal crimes and handling civil cases for the government according to its official website. Leadership has included Alamdar Hamdani serving from 2022 to 2025 as noted on its official history page.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood or internet safety education resources related to this initiative are available through DOJ’s PSC page.
