Feds: Weslaco man sentenced after grooming, abusing young girls

WESLACO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Weslaco man was sentenced to federal prison after grooming and abusing young girls, authorities announced.

Ulysses Rubalcava, 34, was sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of possession of child pornography and sexual exploitation of a child, a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office stated.

An investigation into Rubalcava began in June 2021, when authorities learned of "concerning behavior" and photos believed to be the sexual assault of a child.

Law enforcement searched his phone and found a number of files of child pornography, including the sexual assault of two girls.

Investigators discovered that Rubalcava had been grooming and abusing the two minor girls for more than a year, according to authorities.

"He eventually began producing child pornography images and videos of himself with the young girls," the release stated.

At the hearing, the court noted his remorse, but explained that that it must protect children and the public, noting the crimes were particularly heinous. Additionally, Rubalcava was ordered to serve eight years of supervised release following his prison sentence. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender.