ABILENE, Texas — A 27-year-old Abilene man who produced and transported child sexual abuse material after taking advantage of a family emergency has been sentenced to 50 years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould announced.
Kaleb Marc Rodriquez was handed a 600-month (50-year) federal prison term on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, by U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix. Rodriquez previously pleaded guilty in March 2026 to charges of production of child pornography and transportation of child pornography.
Abuse During Emergency and Digital Discovery
According to court records, the incident occurred on September 22, 2024, when the victim's mother left her 14-year-old daughter ("Jane Doe 1") and two siblings in Rodriquez's care after the children's grandmother suffered a stroke. During that time, the mother also lent her cellular phone to Rodriquez.
The crime came to light on February 17, 2025, when the victim's mother noticed Rodriquez was logged into his personal Gmail account on her phone. Upon reviewing the account, she discovered an emailed, sexually explicit video of her 14-year-old daughter sent on the day Rodriquez was left alone with the children. She immediately reported the incident to the Abilene Police Department.
A subsequent computer forensic examination by APD officers revealed that Rodriquez had used the mother's phone and Snapchat account to record a 19-second sexually explicit video of the minor. He then emailed the file to his personal Gmail account so he could access it from other devices. During forensic analysis, APD detectives positively identified Rodriquez's hands in the video frame due to his distinctive hand tattoos.
Interview Disclosures and Sentencing Hearing
During an interview with APD detectives, Rodriquez acknowledged living with the victim's family for five to six months and confirmed he knew the girl was 14 years old. When detectives asked what he would say if shown video evidence displaying his hands alongside explicit abuse of the minor, Rodriquez stated, "I’d probably believe you because I was on drugs," and asked detectives to apologize to the family on his behalf.
A federal grand jury indicted Rodriquez in January 2026, leading to his guilty plea two months later. At the sentencing hearing on July 22, the victim directly addressed the defendant in court.
Statements on the Verdict:
"I can think of few things more reprehensible than an individual entrusted with the care and well-being of a minor, who then takes advantage of a tragedy to betray that trust and horrifically violate that child in his care... This sentence affirms my office’s commitment to protecting children and prosecuting these vile criminals." — U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould
"I am glad that I don’t have to see you anymore. Knowing I am safe from being hurt by you again gives me some peace." — Victim Impact Statement
Investigative and Prosecutorial Support
The joint investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Dallas and the Abilene Police Department. The case was prosecuted on behalf of the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey R. Haag, West Texas Branch Chief.
