Lubbock man receives 90-year sentence for production of child exploitation material

LUBBOCK, Texas - United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould today announced that a Lubbock man was sentenced to 90 years in federal prison for producing child pornography.

Eric Blake Fira, 33, pleaded guilty on July 6 to three counts of production of child pornography. U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix imposed the 1,080-month sentence today.

"Eric Fira's conduct represents one of the most profound betrayals of trust imaginable," said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. "This sentence ensures he will never again have the opportunity to harm a child. Our office will continue to pursue those who exploit the most vulnerable among us with unwavering resolve, and we remain committed to securing justice for every child victim."

"The FBI is committed to delivering justice for victims and holding perpetrators accountable for harming children," said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. "We remain dedicated to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities and ask that the public report any suspected crimes against children."

According to court documents, Fira coerced the minor into illegal conduct between February and December 2025, recording the abuse with his cell phone. The investigation began on Jan. 21, when the child made an outcry to the Crosby County Sheriff's Office. A subsequent forensic search of Fira's phone uncovered multiple recordings created in Lubbock and Crosbyton. GPS data later confirmed that one of the videos was produced inside a Lubbock hotel room Fira had rented.

Fira admitted that he knew the victim was under 18 and that he produced the recordings using a device manufactured outside Texas, establishing federal jurisdiction.

The FBI, the Lubbock Police Department and the Crosby County Sheriff's Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Rancourt from the Lubbock Division prosecuted the case.