On July 15, 2025 Culpeper Police Department arrested an adult man as the result of an investigation into the possession and distribution of child pornography. In May of 2025, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) sent a cyber tip to the NOVA-DC ICAC Task Force regarding suspected child sexual abuse material (CSAM) that had been uploaded to a social media messaging platform. Initial evidence indicated that this offense had occurred within the Town of Culpeper.

Culpeper Police detectives assigned to the NOVA-DC ICAC Task Force completed an extensive investigation. They identified the sole suspect as Luis A. Balderas, 27, of Remington. In June, Det. Hays obtained felony charges against Balderas.

During the investigation, Det. Hays learned that Balderas intended to travel from Virginia to Mexico. Due to the nature of the charges, the Culpeper Police Department notified the Department of Homeland Security. Customs and Border Patrol along with the Dallas-Forth Worth Airport Police Department intercepted Balderas before he could cross international borders. He was taken into custody and extradited back to Virginia by the Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office. Balderas was then turned over to the Culpeper Police Department.

As a result of this investigation, the Culpeper Police Department charged Balderas with two felony counts of Possession of Child Pornography and two felony counts of Distribution of Child Pornography. Balderas appeared before a magistrate who ordered that he be held without bond at the Culpeper County Jail. Additional charges may be filed in the future.

“The Culpeper Police Department will continue to relentlessly investigate and pursue those seeking to exploit children,” said Chief C. Settle. “Our detectives will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to bring predators like Mr. Balderas to justice. On behalf of our agency, I want to thank all of our law enforcement partners for their cooperation.”

The Culpeper Police Department thanks these agencies for their assistance with this investigation:

• NOVA-DC ICAC Task Force
• Department of Homeland Security
• Customs and Border Patrol
• Dallas-Forth Worth Airport Police Department
• Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office
• Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office

The NOVA-DC ICAC Task Force is coordinated by the Virginia State Police.

Balderas formerly resided in the Town of Culpeper. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Det. M. Hays at 540-829-5508 or email tips@culpeperva.gov. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can submit tips by calling Culpeper Crime Solvers at 540-727-0300 or submitting an online tip at culpeperpd.org. Cyber tips can also be submitted to NCMEC at cybertipline.org or by calling 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

Attached Photos: Luis A. Balderas, 27, of Remington, VA

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Contact: Master Police Officer Julia Cole

Email: JCole@culpeperva.gov

Phone: 540-829-5525

August 7, 2025

JC-2025-19