McAllen Man Sentenced for Using Internet to Promote Prostitution Enterprise Involving Underage Girl

United States Attorney Robert Pitman announced that 45-year-old Roberto Reyes, of McAllen, Texas, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for using the Internet and cell phone to promote his business of prostitution in the Midland/Odessa area.

On February 10, 2012, Reyes pleaded guilty to one count of using the Internet and a cell phone to promote his business of prostitution. By pleading guilty, Reyes admitted that during 2010, he operated an “escort” business named Sabrina’s Escort Service. According to court records, in October 2010, Reyes agreed to provide four prostitutes to a Midland County sheriff’s officer acting in an undercover capacity. On October 20, 2010, an associate of Reyes arrived at a hotel room in downtown Midland with four females, one of whom was under the age of 18. Once money was exchanged, law enforcement officers placed the individuals under arrest.

At sentencing today, United States District Judge Robert Junell sentenced Reyes to 37 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised released. In addition, Judge Junell ordered that Reyes pay a $10,000 fine. Reyes has remained in federal custody since his deportation from Mexico to the U.S. in December 2011. The other individuals associated with this case were referred to state authorities for prosecution.

This case was investigated by the Midland County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Austin M. Berry prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.