A now-former investigator with the Arkansas Division of Children Services has been arrested and charged with distributing, possessing, or viewing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), according to a probable cause affidavit.
Authorities said 30-year-old Alejandro Hernandez was taken into custody after a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) led investigators to a social media account containing a video depicting the sexual assault of a child.
According to the affidavit, Hernandez was using the alias “Juan Gonzalez” on social media. A subpoena obtained by investigators revealed multiple CSAM files linked to that account, including at least four videos depicting prepubescent children being sexually abused by adults. One of the files reportedly showed a child being forced to engage in sex acts with an animal.
On October 30, police interviewed Hernandez at his home in Elkins. During the interview, Hernandez admitted to owning the “Juan Gonzalez” social media account and told officers he downloaded adult pornography on that account to hide it from his wife. He denied intentionally viewing or sharing child sexual abuse material.
Investigators searched Hernandez’s phone during the interview and discovered multiple CSAM files in the device’s trash folder. Hernandez claimed he had accidentally viewed the material through another app, deleted the app out of panic, and later reinstalled it to ensure the content was removed.
Following the discovery, investigators confirmed that Hernandez was employed by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) within the Division of Children Services. DHS issued a statement condemning the allegations and confirming Hernandez’s termination.
“The allegations against this individual are reprehensible, and we will fully support the ongoing investigation and prosecution of this crime,” the statement read. “This kind of evil has no place in our system or society, and it is a direct contradiction of the mission this individual was supposed to uphold. He has been fired.”
Hernandez was arrested after admitting to operating the “Juan Gonzalez” account and having CSAM on his personal phone. He is currently being held at the Washington County Detention Center pending a bond ruling.
