A Dallas man was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for sexually abusing a 5-year-old girl. The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas announced on August 31 that Michael Angelo Vasquez, 27, pleaded guilty to producing child pornography in May 2021.
Authorities stated that the investigation into Vasquez began when his girlfriend at the time suspected he was having an affair and went through his phone in hopes of finding evidence of communication with other women.
What she found on the phone were videos of Vasquez sexually assaulting a 5-year-old girl.
The girlfriend, whose identity was not disclosed by authorities, reported the matter to law enforcement, and a search warrant was issued for Vasquez’s phone.
Upon searching the phone, authorities found at least four videos of Vasquez committing child sexual abuse.
Vasquez admitted to filming videos himself sexually in his plea papers. He also admitted to sharing the videos online via an instant messaging platform. It is unclear with whom he shared the video or what platform he used.
The identity of the child was not disclosed due to her minor status.
Authorities said they have “connected her” with the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, where she will be provided with resources that could help her heal from the abuse.
U.S. District Judge Jane J. Boyle handed down Vasquez’s sentence for producing child pornography. The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Dallas Field Office and the Dallas Police Department jointly conducted the investigation.
Jesse Woods, assistant special agent in charge at HSI Dallas, condemned Vasquez’s actions and supported the lengthy sentence, stating that the child involved was likely left with emotional and physical trauma.
Woods also lauded the efforts of investigators, stating he is “proud of the work of our criminal analysts, special agents and law enforcement partners who helped end the deviant behavior of this defendant before he could harm another child.”
He also commended Vasquez’s then-girlfriend for reporting what she found on his phone.