United States Attorney Johnny Sutton
Western District of Texas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2006

Shana Jones, Special Assistant
Daryl Fields, Public Affairs Officer
(210) 384-7440

FORMER WACO POLICE OFFICER ADMITS TO POSSESSING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

United States Attorney Johnny Sutton announced that this afternoon former Waco Police Officer Amador Gonzalez, Jr. pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. As a result, Gonzalez faces up to ten years in federal prison and a maximum $250,000 fine.

Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating Gonzalez following a search warrant executed at a Palm Beach County, Florida, residence in January 2006. Computers seized during that search contained information that Gonzalez had participated in child pornography chat sessions. On February 6, 2006, FBI agents together with officers from the Hewitt Police Department executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence. As a result, investigators seized a computer as well as other computer media belonging to the defendant. Investigators discovered over 600 images of child pornography during a forensics exam of the computer and media.

Gonzalez remains on bond pending sentencing. Chief United States District Judge Walter S. Smith, Jr., scheduled sentencing for 1:00pm on July 5, 2006.

Assistant United States Attorney Greg Gloff prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.