LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Three people from the South Plains are facing federal charges after being arrested as part of a nationwide FBI operation targeting child sex crimes.
The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort that resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The operation was executed over two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country.
In the Northern District of Texas, five individuals were arrested and charged as part of Operation Relentless Justice, according to United States Attorney Ryan Raybould and FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock.
Local arrests
Ruben Reyes Tijerina III, 26, of Levelland, was arrested and charged with one count of production of child pornography. If convicted, Tijerina faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison. The FBI Dallas Field Office, FBI St. Louis, St. Charles City Police Department and Levelland Police Department handled the investigation.
Marcus Xavier Anguiano, 30, and Maddie Rhea Anguiano, 28, of Lubbock, were arrested and charged with one count of conspiracy to produce and attempt to produce child pornography and one count of production and attempted production of child pornography. Marcus Anguiano faces an additional count of production and attempted production of child pornography and one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography.
The Anguianos face sentences ranging from 15 years to 30 years on all counts except the receipt charge, which carries a penalty of five to 20 years in federal prison, if convicted. The FBI Dallas Field Office, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office, Lubbock Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety and the Wolfforth Police Department handled the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Callie Woolam is prosecuting both cases.
Copyright 2025 KCBD. All rights reserved.