A former youth soccer coach has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison following multiple guilty pleas related to the sexual exploitation of minors in Tennessee. Camilo Campos-Hurtado, aged 66, was also ordered to serve an additional five years of supervised release after completing his prison term, according to a statement from the Department of Justice (DOJ).
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Campos-Hurtado was apprehended by the Franklin Police Department in June 2023 after an investigation was initiated when he accidentally left his mobile phone at a local establishment. The individual who discovered the phone reported finding explicit videos featuring underage boys. These findings prompted authorities to delve deeper into Campos-Hurtado’s activities.
During their investigation, police discovered alarming tactics used by Campos-Hurtado to recruit children for his soccer team. He frequented local playgrounds to attract minors under the guise of offering them opportunities in sports. After establishing contact, he would entice them to his residence, where he would then sexually assault them.
The DOJ’s report noted that the exploitation occurred between 2017 and 2021. However, forensic examinations of Campos-Hurtado’s electronic devices revealed disturbing evidence indicating that he had been producing child sexual abuse material as far back as January 2013. This insightful analysis covered a significant timeframe during which numerous children were believed to have fallen victim to his heinous actions.
It was further revealed that many of the young victims were incapacitated through the administration of drugs or alcohol prior to the assaults. As the investigation unfolded, law enforcement officials stated that they were working to identify several children who had reportedly been drugged and assaulted by Campos-Hurtado, who was a well-known figure in the local soccer community.
The prosecutor’s office sought a stringent response from the court, advocating for a 50-year prison sentence for Campos-Hurtado. Despite the severity of the charges, the presiding judge opted for a 30-year term instead. U.S. Attorney Braden H. Boucek characterised Campos-Hurtado’s actions as predatory, emphasising that he exploited and manipulated children while orchestrating a deception regarding his identity through fraudulent immigration documents.
At the time of his offences, Campos-Hurtado was in the United States unlawfully, and he will be required to return to Mexico upon completing his prison sentence. His case serves as a grave reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children and the responsibility of society to safeguard them from such targeted predation.
The joint investigation was conducted by the Franklin Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Marshals Service. It highlights the critical need for vigilant monitoring and reporting on child protection issues.
Authorities continue to encourage anyone affected by sexual abuse to seek help. The Crisis Text Line is available for support, offering a secure means to connect with certified crisis counsellors. For those in need, texting “STRENGTH” to 741-741 will initiate the process of receiving the necessary assistance.
As communities reflect on this disturbing case, it underscores the importance of remaining vigilant in ensuring the safety of children in all environments, particularly in the context of sports and recreational activities where trust is easily established.