CBP interception leads to federal conviction and 27-year sentence in joint child exploitation investigation

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Area Port of Houston/Galveston announced the successful conclusion of a joint federal investigation resulting in the sentencing of Travis Jerrad McQuiston Reed to 327 months in prison for child sexual exploitation material (CSEM) offenses. Reed, 34, pleaded guilty in April to one count of sexual exploitation of a child.

The case began on Nov. 2, 2025, when CBP officers processing passengers at the Port of Galveston cruise terminal referred an individual for further inspection. During the secondary inspection, CBP officers discovered CSEM on the individual's electronic media.

CBP immediately coordinated with Homeland Security Investigations, with HSI Galveston playing a crucial role in the preliminary investigation alongside the HSI Dallas Child Exploitation Group to secure evidence and facilitate forensic analysis. This cooperative interagency response ensured the swift preservation of evidence and initiated a comprehensive federal investigation.

"The steadfast vigilance of our CBP officers at the Port of Galveston directly interrupted a dangerous threat and set a comprehensive federal investigation into motion," said CBP Acting Director of Field Operations Leslie Fleming-Luczkowski. "Thanks to the seamless collaboration between our frontline personnel, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Attorney's Office, a predator has been brought to justice with a significant federal sentence. We remain unwavering in our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable and dismantling child exploitation networks."

"The federal government has no tolerance for anyone who preys on children, and this sentence reflects that reality," said North District of Texas U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. "Anyone who believes they can exploit a child in North Texas and escape accountability is gravely mistaken. In this District, federal law enforcement will find you, we will prosecute you and you will face a sentence measured in decades as the defendant is in this case. I am grateful to our partners at CBP and HSI for their swift work that stopped Reed from continuing to harm children."

"This lengthy sentence reflects the horrific nature of crimes that exploit children," said Antwoine Jones, Deputy Special Agent in Charge, HSI Dallas. "Alongside our law enforcement partners, HSI will not stop pursuing those who prey on innocent and vulnerable children. Protecting children and holding offenders accountable remain among our highest priorities."

The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Texas, leading to the recent federal conviction and a sentence of 327 months. This collaborative effort underscores the critical role that frontline border inspections play in identifying threats, protecting vulnerable communities, and bringing offenders to justice.

Fulfilling President Donald J. Trump's mandate, and under the leadership of DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, CBP is steadfast in its partnership with HSI, federal prosecutors, and law enforcement partners to safeguard children and dismantle child exploitation networks.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 70,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration and trust.

• Topics
• Border Encounters
• Border Security
• Office of Field Operations
• Sexual Abuse/Assault