Nebraska Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Images of S.C. Child

GREENVILLE, S.C. - Luis Alfred Romero, 37, of Omaha, Nebraska, has been sentenced to more than nine years in federal prison for distributing child sexual abuse material.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that in May 2024, the mother of a minor girl reported to the Anderson County Sheriff's Office that she located concerning messages from Romero on her daughter's Discord account. Romero knew the child was 13 years old and solicited explicit images and videos from the child. Romero cultivated a relationship with the child and chatted with her online for several months before discovery by the mother. In addition to persuading the child to send explicit images, Romero also urged the victim to engage in sexual relationships with other minors and adults.

With the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations, Romero was apprehended. During a search of his devices, investigators found hundreds of images of child sexual abuse material on his phone.

"We urge parents and caregivers to talk to their children and be vigilant about the dangers of online communications especially chatting with strangers," said Bryan Stirling, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina. "The U. S. Attorney's Office and our partners at every level of law enforcement remain committed to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting those who exploit and harm our children."

"This sentencing sends a clear message that those who exploit children and distribute child sexual abuse material will be held accountable," said Homeland Security Investigations Charlotte Special Agent in Charge Cardell T. Morant who also oversees North and South Carolina. "HSI, together with our local partners, remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community and ensuring that offenders face the full consequences of their actions."

"I hope everyone from here to Nebraska sees Romero's face and realizes there is no level of prosecution high enough for offenders like this," said Anderson County Sheriff Chad McBride. "Our detective said this case generated some of the most disturbing content to ever come across his desk. To echo our partnering agencies, we will continue to track down those who prey on our children and they will be pursued, prosecuted and brought to justice."

United States District Judge Jacquelyn D. Austin sentenced Romero to 110 months imprisonment, to be followed by a life-time term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Romero was ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to help cover expenses for the victim's mental health counseling. He must register as a sex offender for life.

Parents and caregivers can find resources to protect their kids online at dhs.gov/know2protect

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Anderson County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Watkins prosecuted the case.

###