Former Texas Substitute Teacher Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Production

Sonya Conchita Murillo, a 32-year-old former substitute teacher for the Marfa Independent School District, pleaded guilty last week to one count of the production of child pornography. The case unfolded during an investigation into her former boyfriend, Patricio Javier Serrano, 36, who was charged separately for possessing child sexual abuse materials.

Court documents revealed that videos depicting Murillo engaging in sexual abuse of a minor were discovered during the investigation into Serrano. Murillo entered her guilty plea without a set sentencing date. She could face a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, pending the decision of a federal district court judge who will consider U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Murillo has been in federal custody since her arrest on June 7, 2023.

Serrano, a former Marfa youth softball coach, was arrested on May 11, 2023, and has remained in federal custody. On October 27, 2023, Serrano pleaded guilty to one count of transportation of child pornography, aiding and abetting, and one count of possession of child pornography. For the transportation charge, he faces no less than five and up to 20 years in prison, and for the possession charge, up to 20 years. Serrano’s sentencing date is scheduled for February 27, 2024.

The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas, FBI Special Agent in Charge John S. Morales of the El Paso Field Office, and HSI Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola of the El Paso Division.

The case is being investigated by the FBI, HSI, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Marfa Police Department.