A former Corpus Christi police officer faces a potential life sentence after pleading guilty to using his position of authority to coerce a 15-year-old girl into a sexual relationship that included over 3,700 explicit Snapchat exchanges.
Key Takeaways
- Daniel Abelardo Verduzco, 32, a former Corpus Christi police officer, pleaded guilty to enticement of a minor and was convicted on May 23, 2025.
- The investigation began when a mother in Tulsa, Oklahoma discovered inappropriate Snapchat communications between her daughter and Verduzco, including sexually suggestive photos and videos.
- Verduzco faces a minimum of 10 years to life in federal prison and a potential $250,000 fine when sentenced on August 21.
- The case was part of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.
- The Corpus Christi Police Department cooperated fully with federal investigators from Homeland Security during the investigation.
Betrayal of Trust and Badge
The case against former Corpus Christi Police Officer Daniel Abelardo Verduzco reveals a disturbing betrayal of public trust and misuse of authority. Verduzco, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of enticement of a minor on May 16, 2025, with U.S. District Judge David S. Morales finding him guilty a week later. The officer, who should have been protecting the community, instead used his position to prey upon a vulnerable 15-year-old girl, establishing an inappropriate relationship that included multiple in-person meetings and thousands of explicit digital communications.
The investigation into Verduzco’s criminal activities began on January 8 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after a vigilant parent discovered suspicious messages on her daughter’s Snapchat account. Initially, the mother believed “Danny” was someone her daughter’s age, but was horrified to discover he was actually a police officer from Texas. This revelation prompted immediate action from law enforcement agencies, resulting in Verduzco’s arrest on January 19 by U.S. Department of Homeland Security agents in Nueces County.
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
Digital Evidence and Criminal Acts
The digital trail left by Verduzco provided overwhelming evidence of his predatory behavior. Investigators uncovered more than 3,700 Snapchat exchanges between the officer and the minor, including photos and videos of the girl in sexually suggestive poses. These digital communications formed a key component of the case against Verduzco, demonstrating his deliberate and sustained efforts to exploit the young victim. Such extensive documentation leaves little doubt about the officer’s intent and the predatory nature of his relationship with the 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 Corpus Christi Police Department acted swiftly once the allegations came to light, placing Verduzco on administrative leave during the investigation before ultimately terminating his employment. This prompt response demonstrates the department’s commitment to accountability and their zero-tolerance approach toward officers who violate the law and their oath to protect and serve. Throughout the investigation, the department maintained full cooperation with federal authorities, prioritizing justice over protecting one of their own.
Legal Consequences and Project Safe Childhood
Verduzco now faces severe legal consequences for his actions. After Judge Morales accepted his guilty plea on June 9, a sentencing date was set for August 21, 2025. The former officer could receive between 10 years to life in federal prison, along with a potential fine of up to $250,000. This case sends a powerful message that no one—not even those entrusted with upholding the law—is above it. Verduzco currently remains free on bond pending his sentencing hearing, where he will finally face accountability for betraying his badge and the community he swore to protect.
This prosecution forms part of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative launched in 2006 specifically designed to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program brings together federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. Cases like Verduzco’s highlight the crucial importance of such initiatives in protecting the most vulnerable members of our society from those who would abuse positions of power and trust.
