San Antonio man arrested again on child pornography charges

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A 47-year-old San Antonio man named Aurelio Benjamin Cerella has been arrested again and charged with possession of child pornography and bestiality. Cerella was previously arrested in March for sending inappropriate photos and making sexual propositions to someone he believed was a 16-year-old girl, but was out on bond when investigators found new evidence on his seized cellphone.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of combating online sexual exploitation of minors, even when suspects are out on bond for prior related crimes. It also underscores the importance of parental monitoring of children's online activity, as the sheriff's office has seen an increase in similar incidents involving young teens being approached through social media and gaming platforms.

The details

Cerella was first arrested on March 25 following an undercover sting operation where he communicated online with a detective posing as a 16-year-old girl. He was charged at that time with sending inappropriate photos and making sexual propositions. Cerella bonded out of jail two days later. During the initial investigation, detectives seized Cerella's cellphone, and a subsequent search warrant revealed evidence of child pornography and bestiality on the device. The new charges against Cerella include possession of child pornography, possession of child pornography involving a child under 10, and bestiality.

• Cerella was first arrested on March 25, 2026.
• Cerella bonded out of jail on March 27, 2026.
• Investigators executed a search warrant on Cerella's cellphone in the weeks following his initial arrest.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Cerella is currently in custody and will face a judge to determine if he should be granted bond again or remain in jail as the new charges against him proceed.