Federal authorities are joining a multi-party investigation that originated in Hays County of a man suspected of producing, distributing and possessing child pornography.
While FBI officials have issued a 52-count indictment against Luann Fabric Campos Leao Hida, 25, of Lakeway, authorities fear there could be more victims than the 15 so far identified.
Hida was federally indicted June 18, according to FBI officials; those indictments were formally unsealed July 1.
An indictment is not a conviction of guilt, but is a formal allegation.
Hida was originally arrested Aug. 7 in Hays County after authorities accused him of going online to solicit sexual favors in the Dripping Springs area, the Hays Free Press reported.
According to an arrest affidavit, Hida allegedly furnished vape pens and vape oil and alcohol to teenagers in the Dripping Springs area in exchange for sexual favors.
Gary Cutler, Hays County Sheriff, said local authorities got into the case via a suspicious circumstances call. Cutler said the HCSO called in other agencies as the scope of the investigation started to involve other jurisdictions.
FBI officials are aware of victims in Travis, Hays, Bell and Williamson counties with incidents ranging anywhere from 2014 to 2017. The case began at the local level, with the FBI starting to get involved once it was determined photos and video associated with the case were disseminated online.
Authorities have so far identified 15 boys during the course of the investigation. However, officials said there are approximately 20 more boys who so far have not yet been identified. Authorities also fear there could be more victims who authorities do not know about yet.
Anyone who might have been victimized or suspect they might have been victimized by Hida should contact the FBI or HCSO officials. Officials said the scope of incidents could perhaps precede 2014.
Cindy Cantu, an official with the center for child protection, said parents who suspect their child might have been in contact with Hida should be aware of any behavioral changes that might have taken place.
Cantu said parents should listen to children, but not directly ask questions that might suggest they’re attempting to obtain information. If parents hear something that concerns them, they should contact authorities and make a report. An FBI official said parents shouldn’t do detective work, but if their child knew Hida, they should contact authorities.
Cutler encouraged parents to keep an eye on their child’s activity online and on social media.
“This is the perfect example that there are sexual predators in our community that preys upon kids,” Cutler said.
