Christian Hernandez, a 27-year-old resident of New Port Richey, has been sentenced to 24 years and 6 months in federal prison for transporting a minor from Mexico with the intent to engage in sexual activity. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven. After serving his prison term, Hernandez will be subject to lifetime supervised release and must register as a sex offender. He pleaded guilty on July 1, 2025.
Court documents reveal that Hernandez began sexually abusing the victim when she was about 12 years old in Mexico. In 2022, when the victim was 15, he facilitated her illegal entry into the United States so she could live with him in New Port Richey, Florida. While living there, Hernandez continued to physically and sexually abuse her and forced her to work to repay a debt for her illegal entry.
The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations, the Clearwater Police Department, and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Abigail K. King prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in 2006 to address child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. The program coordinates efforts among federal, state, and local agencies to locate offenders who exploit children and support victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
