McAllen man sentenced to 9 years for exploiting minor girl

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man has been sentenced for distributing videos of sexual activity to a minor, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced.

On June 2, Rogelio Pruneda III pleaded guilty to charges of distributing videos of sexual activity of a minor.

In an investigation, it was revealed that Pruneda used a minor relative to find the victim. According to the release, the family member told the victim he would treat her like a "sugar daddy."

From approximately July through October 2022, Pruneda utilized Facebook Messenger to contact an underage girl. The release states, he offered her money, THC vape cartridges in exchange for sexual acts, which he subsequently recorded

Pruneda later sent two of the videos to her, the release stated.

The victim's parents discovered the relationship and reported it to authorities. The minor confirmed the videos depicted sexual acts between herself and Pruneda in his vehicle, according to the release.

During the court hearing, the court heard about Pruneda engaging in similar conduct with a minor relative, that he used that relationship to find and recruit the victim into exchanging goods for sex. Additionally, the court heard testimonies from the victim's parents.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has ordered Pruneda to serve nine years in federal prison and pay $3,000 in restitution to the victim. Additionally, he will serve five years of supervised release following his prison term.

During his supervised release, Pruneda is ordered to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He is also ordered to register as a sex offender.