There is a Tyler man who is now behind bars accused of selling child pornography through social media platforms. Bond was set at $4 million as he is facing one count of child pornography and seven counts of possession or promotion of child pornography depicting child sexual assault.

There were dozens of submitted cybertips that led to the arrest of a Tyler man last week after officials allegedly found cell phones containing several hundred photos and videos of child-sexual abuse that he was selling online.

More Than 100 Cybertips Sparked the Investigation

The case began in February 2025 when the Smith County Sheriff's Office was investigating 100 cybertips from the same IP address in Tyler that was allegedly being used to post child pornography on X, formerly known as Twitter.

READ MOREEast Texas Man Gets 30 Years in Child Porn Case

Search Warrant Led to Multiple Cell Phone Seizures

In April 2025 the sheriff's office worked with the North Texas Internet Crime Against Children task force to serve a warrant on North Spring Avenue in Tyler associated with the IP address. At that time several individuals were living at the residence including Marquis Viramontes.

The search warrant resulted in the seizure of three cell phones belonging to Viramontes to be analyzed by investigators.

Lonestar 99-5 FM logo
Get our free mobile app

Messages Allegedly Showed Online Sales

When the analysis was complete, the phones were discovered to have several hundred photos and videos of children between the ages of 1 and 17 engaged in sexually explicit conduct. There were also messages found between Viramontes and other users who were attempting to buy child sexual abuse materials.

Once Viramontes was paid, he would instruct users to download the videos which depicted adults sexually abusing children.

Viramontes was arrested on July 14; jail records show he is still in custody awaiting trial.

Custodial Deaths in Texas Prisons: A Unit-by-Unit Overview for 2026

Explore our comprehensive gallery detailing the custodial deaths recorded in Texas prisons during the first quarter of 2026. From natural causes to tragic events, this visual breakdown provides essential insights into the circumstances surrounding these deaths across various facilities. Stay informed on this critical public issue by examining unit-specific reports and causes of death.

Gallery Credit: Lori Crofford

Full List of Texas Death Row Executions Scheduled in 2026

Texas has four death row inmates scheduled for execution this year. Below is a full list of who they are, when they’re set to be executed, and what they were convicted of.

Gallery Credit: Credit: Texas Department of Criminal Justice