A 34-year-old Weslaco man has been sentenced for possession of child pornography and sexual exploitation of a child, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Ulysses Rubalcava pleaded guilty Oct. 31, 2023.

U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. considered victim impact statements and imposed a total of 360 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court noted Rubalcava’s remorse, but explained how society deems these crimes as particularly heinous and that the court must protect children and the public to deter this type of crime. Garza was further ordered to serve 24 years on supervised release following the completion of his sentence. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. A restitution hearing has been scheduled for April 23.

The investigation began in June 2021 when authorities learned of concerning behavior and photos believed to be the sexual assault of a child.

Law enforcement conducted a search of Rubalcava’s cellphone in which they discovered numerous saved child pornography files including the sexual assault of two minors. Following an investigation, authorities determined Rubalcava had been grooming and abusing two minor girls for more than a year. He eventually began producing child pornography images and videos of himself with the young girls.

Rubalcava will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.