San Diego authorities have turned to the public in seeking information regarding a former special education aide at a local elementary school, recently convicted of child pornography.
According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, Adolfo Payan Chavez, 39, was caught carrying a laptop computer containing images of child pornography at the San Ysidro border crossing on Sept. 18, when he was taken into custody by federal agents.
ICE officials find this case as sensitive as disturbing because for the last 10 years, Chavez worked directly with vulnerable children on a daily basis, in a profession on which he served as a special education assistant. He provided one-on-one instruction to students with special needs at Whittier Elementary School's Learning Center.
On Nov. 17, Chavez pleaded guilty to one count of transporting images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years and a $250,000 fine.
Currently, Chavez is in federal detention without bail, awaiting his sentencing hearing March 5, 2012.
According to the official report, the defendant had at least two sexually explicit images of minor females who appeared to be under 8 years old. Chavez also was identified in a domestic pornography trading network, case that remains under investigation.
DHS’ ICE investigations division is calling for the general public to provide any information that might be of assistance with their ongoing probe in the Adolfo Payan Chavez case.
To contact U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigationsplease call (619) 744-4625.
Comments