Salvadoran National Living in North Texas Illegally Gets 45-Year Sentence for Child Exploitation

Prosecutors say he groomed a 12-year-old boy and possessed hundreds of child sexual abuse images.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A North Texas man living in the United States illegally has been sentenced to 45 years in federal prison for exploiting a 12-year-old boy and possessing hundreds of images of child sexual abuse material, federal prosecutors said. Julio Chavez, a citizen and national of El Salvador, was convicted in August 2025 of production of child sexual abuse material and receipt of child sexual abuse material.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by federal authorities to combat child exploitation and the serious penalties faced by those convicted of such crimes, even if they are in the country illegally. It also underscores the vulnerability of young victims and the need for continued vigilance and coordination between law enforcement agencies to protect children.

The details

Court records show Chavez groomed the 12-year-old boy and convinced him to send a sexually explicit video. Investigators also found hundreds of images and videos of child sexual abuse material on Chavez's phone. After completing his 45-year sentence, Chavez faces potential deportation and exclusion from the United States.

  • Chavez was convicted in August 2025.
  • U.S. District Judge Brantley Starr imposed the 540-month sentence on Feb. 11, 2026.

The players

Julio Chavez

A citizen and national of El Salvador who was living in the United States illegally and was convicted of production of child sexual abuse material and receipt of child sexual abuse material.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould

The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas who praised the lengthy sentence and said the government will continue to work to protect vulnerable children from exploitation.

FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock

The FBI official who said the punishment "sends a clear message that crimes against children will not be tolerated."

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What they’re saying

“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the most vulnerable and innocent in our North Texas communities are protected from being exploited by sexual predators.”

— U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould (U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas)

“The punishment sends a clear message that crimes against children will not be tolerated.”

— FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock (U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas)

What’s next

After completing his 45-year sentence, Chavez faces potential deportation and exclusion from the United States.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by federal authorities to combat the exploitation of children, even when the perpetrator is in the country illegally. It underscores the need for continued vigilance and coordination between law enforcement agencies to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.