Anthony Maestas Sentenced for Child Abuse and CSAM Possession

AG: New Mexico Press Releases

Filed June 18th, 2025

Detected March 21st, 2026

Summary

A New Mexico man, Anthony Maestas, has been sentenced to 30.5 years in prison for child abuse and possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). The sentence, handed down by a 13th District Judicial Court judge, is the maximum possible under his plea agreement. The investigation was initiated by a cybertip received by the NMDOJ's Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit.

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What changed

Anthony Maestas has been sentenced to 30.5 years in prison, the maximum allowed under his plea agreement, for child abuse and possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). He pleaded guilty to multiple charges including child abuse, manufacturing and possession of child exploitation material, and voyeurism. The sentence includes a post-release parole term of 5-20 years.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of the New Mexico Attorney General's office, specifically its Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit, in prosecuting individuals involved in child exploitation. The investigation began with a cybertip and led to the discovery of CSAM on Maestas's devices, as well as evidence of him sexually abusing at least two children. The sentence serves as a strong deterrent against such crimes and underscores the importance of reporting suspected child abuse.

What to do next

Review internal policies and training related to child protection and reporting of suspected child abuse.
Ensure all personnel are aware of the critical role of the NMDOJ's ICAC Unit and how to report suspicious activity.

Penalties

30.5 years in prison, followed by 5-20 years of parole.

Source document (simplified)

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Anthony Maestas Sentenced to Over 30 Years for Child Abuse and Possession of Exploitation Material

June 18, 2025

Los Lunas, NM – Today, a 13th District Judicial Court judge sentenced Anthony Maestas to 30.5 years in prison, the maximum sentence possible under his plea agreement, for child abuse and possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). Maestas plead guilty to two counts of child abuse, manufacturing visual medium of sexual exploitation of children, possession of visual medium of sexual exploitation (child under 13) and voyeurism (victim under 18) in January.

“Protecting children from exploitation is one of the most important responsibilities we have in this state,” said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. “Thanks to the expertise and persistence of our team, another dangerous predator has been removed from our community. These cases are a reminder of how critical this work is, and I’m grateful to the Court and our prosecutors and investigators for ensuring this individual is now behind bars.”

The NMDOJ’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit received a cybertip that led to an IP address and physical address connected to Maestas. The unit executed a search warrant and subsequently arrested the defendant after agents discovered a significant amount of CSAM on his electronic devices. The unit’s investigation not only revealed that the defendant was in possession of CSAM, but also that he had sexually abused at least two children – a family member and a neighbor – as a juvenile.

After serving his sentence the defendant will be required to complete a parole term of 5-20 years.

The investigation was brought as a part of the NMDOJ’s ICAC Division, whose mission is to locate, track, and capture internet child sexual predators and internet child pornographers in New Mexico. There are 86 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies associated with the New Mexico ICAC Division, which is funded by a grant administered by the NMDOJ. Anyone with information relating to suspected child predators and suspected child abuse is encouraged to contact federal or local law enforcement.

Maestas Plea Agreement