Mexican national sentenced in Mississippi for child pornography, illegal reentry

ABERDEEN, Miss. — A Mexican national living unlawfully in Mississippi has been sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison for possession of child pornography and illegal reentry, federal officials said.

Miguel Angel Sierra-Torreblanca, 40, received 180 months for child pornography and 24 months for reentering the United States after being deported three times. Authorities said he was arrested in Lowndes County with two cell phones containing hundreds of images and videos of children, including infants, being sexually abused.

U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner said the case shows there is “no tolerance for anyone exploiting children in our community.” Officials said Sierra-Torreblanca will be deported after serving his prison term and will be required to register as a sex offender.

The case was investigated by local sheriff’s departments in Mississippi and South Carolina, along with the Department of Homeland Security, under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative.