Texas man accused of getting minor to send nude, sexually explicit images for payment

A Texas man is accused of persuading a minor to send him nude and sexually explicit images in exchange for payment, officials say.

The criminal complaint charges Fabian Vela, of McAllen, with coercion and enticement of a minor from around Sept. 29 to Oct. 5, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas announced.

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He was taken into custody as he re-entered the United States at a port of entry in Hidalgo County on Thursday, and was scheduled to appear in court on Friday morning, officials say.

Vela allegedly used the messaging app WhatsApp and a cell phone to coerce and entice a minor. He is accused of persuading the minor to send him nude and sexually explicit images in exchange for payment, according to the charges.

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Vela could face up to life in prison if convicted.

Officials say Homeland Security Investigations – Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Investigations Task force conducted the investigation with assistance from the U.S. Secret Service and the San Juan Police Department.