A Laredo man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a pregnant minor, drug trafficking, and alien smuggling. Luis Andres Serna, 30, pleaded guilty to these charges on separate occasions in 2023 and 2024. U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña ordered the sentence and mandated that Serna register as a sex offender.
U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei commented on the case, stating, “The defendant’s conduct in this case was absolutely reprehensible, and that the fact that it continued even while he was in custody underscores just how dangerous he is.” He added that Serna's actions ranged from alien smuggling to drug trafficking and sexual exploitation of a minor.
Craig Larrabee, Special Agent in Charge at ICE-HSI San Antonio, remarked on the sentencing: “Today’s sentencing should serve as a deterrent to those involved in sexual exploitation, alien smuggling and drug trafficking.”
Serna was initially apprehended on April 5, 2022, after law enforcement found him transporting an illegal alien with a pregnant minor as his passenger. Authorities later discovered numerous illegal aliens and over a thousand kilograms of marijuana linked to Serna.
While detained for these offenses, Serna used a tablet video system to contact the pregnant minor without disclosing her age. Investigations revealed he engaged in regular video communication with her and had her perform sexual acts during these calls.
Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation with support from other agencies including the U.S. Marshals Service and Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Homero Ramirez prosecuted the case under Project Safe Childhood (PSC), an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation.
Serna will remain in custody until transferred to a designated U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.