McAllen man, Xavier Degollado, was sentenced to 17 ½ years in prison for being a receipt of child pornography.

The investigation began in November 2011 when Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) discovered, through a peer-to peer network, a computer at Degollado’s residence associated with child pornography.

ICE-HSI agents found more than 500 images and 66 videos of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Some of the images show children under 12 years of age.

"These children are the saddest types of victims we see," said U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez. "This offense can be more devastating than the actual sexual assault because it is continuous."

The 31-year-old was ordered to register as a sex offender and to have 10 years of supervised release after completing his time in prison.

Degollado is also prohibited from using the Internet unless granted permission by his probation officer.

This case was brought as part of a nationwide initiative that combats child sexual exploitation and abuse known as Project Safe Childhood.

Click here to read more about Project Safe Childhood and to learn about internet safety education.