Texas man sentenced for child sexual exploitation offenses against Central Valley victims

The U.S. Department of Justice reports in its press release (quotation, not an independent finding): “FRESNO, Calif. —Thomas Henry Lopez, 51, of Spring, Texas, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff to 30 years in prison for two counts of sexual exploitation of children, one count of distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and one count of transfer of obscene material to a minor, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. Lopez was also ordered to serve a life term of supervised release during which he will be required to register as a sex offender and his access to computers, cellphones, and the internet will be restricted. Lopez was also ordered to pay $24,400 in financial assessments. “Although the defendant lived an outwardly respectable life, he secretly exploited vulnerable minors through an online platform,” U.S. Attorney Grant said. “The offenses for which he pleaded guilty represent only two of many victims of his disgusting conduct. This sentence will safeguard the public and prevent the defendant from harming other victims. Our office remains committed to protecting children and to holding fully accountable anyone who sexually exploits children.” On July 13, 2026, Lopez pleaded guilty to the charged offenses without a plea agreement. According to court documents, between June and July 2024, Lopez contacted minors in the Central Valley through TikTok and continued to communicate with them through text messages and the encrypted application JusTalk. Posing as a 12-year-old boy from Texas, he persuaded the victims to create and send illicit videos and images. During these communications, Lopez also sent the victims sexually explicit ima”