LAREDO, Texas (KGNS) – A former Unified Independent School District (UISD) teacher has pleaded not guilty to charges of possessing and distributing child pornography. The case involves Roberto Ortiz Jr., who was indicted earlier this year following an FBI investigation.

Federal agents executed a search warrant at Ortiz’s home on June 4, where they allegedly found several files containing child pornography. According to authorities, Ortiz allegedly directed them to the location of the files on his computer. The search was prompted by information received in March indicating that four files were downloaded from a Laredo IP address linked to Ortiz.

Ortiz, who at the time was employed as a teacher and coach at UISD, was immediately placed on administrative leave following the search. In July, the district confirmed that Ortiz no longer worked for them.

A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment against Ortiz on June 25, charging him with possession, receipt and distribution of child pornography. The charges stem from claims that Ortiz used a peer-to-peer file sharing application to distribute the illicit files.

Ortiz is seeking a jury trial, which is expected to take place in 2025 in federal court in Laredo. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

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