Former Corpus Christi police officer Daniel Abelardo Verduzco faces a minimum of 10 years to life in federal prison after pleading guilty to enticing a 15-year-old girl into a sexual relationship through thousands of Snapchat messages.
Key Takeaways
- Verduzco, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of enticement of a minor and was convicted by U.S. District Judge David S. Morales on May 23, 2025.
- The investigation began when a concerned mother in Tulsa, Oklahoma discovered over 3,700 inappropriate Snapchat exchanges between her daughter and the officer.
- Sentencing is scheduled for August 21, with potential penalties including 10 years to life in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
- The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative launched in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.
- The Corpus Christi Police Department cooperated fully with federal investigators from Homeland Security throughout the investigation.
Betrayal of Public Trust
The conviction of former Corpus Christi Police Officer Daniel Abelardo Verduzco represents a significant breach of public trust by someone sworn to protect the community. Verduzco, 32, pleaded guilty on May 16 to one count of enticement of a minor, with U.S. District Judge David S. Morales finding him guilty on May 23. The officer’s plea was formally accepted on June 9, setting the stage for his sentencing hearing scheduled for August 21. This case highlights the critical importance of vetting and monitoring those who wear the badge and are entrusted with extraordinary power in our communities.
Former Corpus Christi police officer convicted on charge of enticement of a minor https://t.co/dVjWPcZvZ5
— Corpus Christi Caller-Times (@callerdotcom) June 16, 2025
Investigation and Arrest
The investigation into Verduzco began on January 8 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, when a vigilant parent reported concerns about a possible relationship between her daughter and a Corpus Christi police officer. The mother initially discovered messages on her daughter’s Snapchat account with a user named “Danny,” who was later identified as Verduzco. When she first found the communications, the mother believed “Danny” was the same age as her 15-year-old daughter, only to later discover with horror that he was actually a 32-year-old police officer using his position of authority to manipulate a minor.
“CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 31-year-old resident of Corpus Christi has pleaded guilty to enticing a minor,” announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The investigation revealed over 3,700 Snapchat exchanges between Verduzco and the minor, including photos and videos of the girl in sexually suggestive poses. These digital breadcrumbs led federal agents to arrest Verduzco on January 19 in Nueces County. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security agents moved quickly to apprehend the officer once the extent of his predatory behavior became clear. Throughout the investigation, the Corpus Christi Police Department cooperated fully with federal investigators, placing Verduzco on administrative leave before ultimately terminating his employment.
Legal Consequences and Sentencing
Verduzco now faces severe legal consequences for his actions. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, sentencing is scheduled for August 21, where he could receive a minimum of 10 years to life in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. The former officer remains on bond pending his sentencing hearing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Overman is prosecuting the case, which has been developed as part of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Broader Implications for Law Enforcement
This case raises serious questions about the screening and monitoring processes for law enforcement officers. When those entrusted to protect the public instead become predators, it undermines community trust in policing as a whole. The case demonstrates the vital importance of thorough background checks, psychological evaluations, and ongoing monitoring of officer conduct. While the vast majority of police officers serve with honor, cases like Verduzco’s highlight the need for rigorous safeguards to identify and remove those who would abuse their authority for personal gratification.
The cooperation between the Corpus Christi Police Department and federal authorities in this case shows a commitment to accountability regardless of the perpetrator’s position. Project Safe Childhood, which coordinated resources from federal, state, and local agencies to prosecute Verduzco, continues to play a crucial role in bringing these offenders to justice. This case serves as a stark reminder that no one is above the law – especially those sworn to uphold it – and that the protection of children must always take precedence over protecting the reputation of any institution.
