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FBI, Homeland Security seek additional victims
DENVER (KDVR) — After finding at least 15 victims of cyberstalking in three different states, including Colorado, that were traced to one Texas man, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations are spreading his information to ensure any other victims can also seek justice.
The two agencies said Hugo Iram Cardona Jr., 21, of Odessa, Texas, pleaded guilty to three counts of cyberstalking in a federal court in El Paso, Texas. Court documents show that Cardona used a two-factor authentication scheme to access young women’s Snapchat accounts and steal their intimate photographs and media.
Cardona then would contact the Snapchat users and demand they “apologize” or he would publically release the content. He would also demand most victims video chat with him while engaging in sexually explicit conduct, according to the court documents.
The FBI and HSI found that at least 15 victims were located in El Paso, Texas; Colorado and Arizona. Investigators found that Cardona initially contacted victims from several Instagram and Snapchat accounts with usernames of:
- idkprii85
- designoiram
- juniorrriram
- urfavpapi
- urdvddyjunie
- juniorrhernandez
- juniepri
- asap_juniorrr
- juniorrriram
Cardona also allegedly used multiple “TextNow” numbers to reach victims. All of the offenses are alleged to have occurred between Aug. 15, 2020, and June 1, 2023.
Anyone who may have had contact or knows someone who may have had contact with Cardona Jr. or any of the listed usernames is asked to complete an online victim questionnaire, available here. Additionally, the FBI El Paso can be contacted at CardonaVictims@fbi.gov or by calling 1-915-832-5000 and leaving a message for the case agent.
Cardona is scheduled to be sentenced on June 3. He faces up to 10 years in prison for each of the three counts.
According to the FBI, federal agencies are legally mandated to identify victims of crime in federal investigations. Cardona’s victims may be eligible for certain services, restitution and other rights under federal or state law. Responses are voluntary but may be useful in the federal investigation.
Based on the responses provided, individuals may be contacted by the FBI and asked to provide additional information. Victim identities are private, and case-related information is confidential.
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