A 52-year-old man from Spring, Texas has pleaded guilty to sex trafficking of a minor, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei for the Southern District of Texas.
Between August 26 and October 5, 2023, John Alberth exchanged messages with a 16-year-old girl, offering her money in return for sexual acts and explicit photos. As part of his plea agreement, Alberth admitted to paying the victim through CashApp and requesting images that qualify as child sexual abuse material.
Authorities found text messages showing that Alberth was aware the victim was underage. “As part of his plea, Alberth admitted paying the minor victim through CashApp and asking her to send him photos of herself that constituted child sexual abuse material,” stated officials.
Alberth is currently in custody and will remain detained until his sentencing hearing on January 30, 2026. He faces up to life in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations with help from the Houston Police Department as well as Harris County and Galveston County Sheriff’s Offices.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Hileman is prosecuting the case under Project Safe Childhood. This nationwide initiative began in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to address child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program brings together federal, state, and local resources to find offenders who exploit children and assist victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found on the DOJ’s PSC page. Resources on internet safety education are also available at that site.
