Attorney General Ken Paxton today announced that the Child Exploitation Unit (CEU) of his office arrested 24-year-old Juan Salazar, of Beeville, Texas, for online solicitation of a minor, a second-degree felony.
The case was referred to Attorney General Paxton’s office by authorities in New Hampshire, who had information that Salazar solicited nude photos from a 12-year-old girl living there. CEU investigators obtained a search warrant for Salazar’s home in Beeville for Online Solicitation of a Minor and Possession of Child Pornography. Investigators confiscated numerous digital storage devices for examination by the Digital Forensics Unit of the attorney general’s office. During an interview, Salazar, who works as a local pizza delivery driver, admitted communicating in a sexual manner with several child victims.
Following his arrest, Salazar was taken to the Bee County Jail without incident. He is scheduled to appear before a magistrate today.
Attorney General Paxton’s office works to protect children by using the latest technology to track down some of the most profoundly evil predators online. The CEU proactively seeks out and arrests predators who commit crimes against children using technology and online sources. Attorney General Paxton urges all parents and teachers to become aware of the risks our children face on the internet and take steps to help ensure their children’s safety. If you suspect someone is producing or downloading child pornography you can report it to NCMEC. For more information on cyber safety, please visit: https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/initiatives/cyber-safety/.