Man who took footage in Cielo Vista Mall bathrooms sentenced to prison

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14) — After being in jail for two years, Irving Jose Marquez was sentenced in federal court Thursday.

He was arrested in 2017 on suspicion of secretly recording victims with a hidden camera placed in bathrooms in Cielo Vista Mall.

Detectives said they found child pornography, restroom-camera video and photos of people in compromising positions after a search warrant was served at his eastside home.

Court records show he is guilty on federal charges of receipt, distribution and possession of a visual depiction involving the sexual exploitation of a minor under the age of 12.

He was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Judge David C. Guaderrama denied Marquez a second chance, saying he is a risk to society.

"Some of things you have done show that you have a mean spirit," said Guaderrama.

State prosecutors argued Marquez had returned to a family restroom after placing a camera inside.

They said he intentionally readjusted the camera showing the toilet.

El Paso police said they were able to figure who had placed the camera because footage in the camera had images of Marquez planting the device.

The camera was discovered by a victim who alerted police to the camera in the restroom.

Marquez's defense attorney claimed he did it because he has brain damage from the West Nile virus, which he contracted in 2009 while working at an oil rig.

He is to be placed on extensive supervised release after he is released from prison.

Marquez is also facing charges in state district court on suspicion of possession of child pornography, invasive recording in a bathroom and indecency with a child.

He pleaded not guilty to those charges.

He is scheduled to go to trial in July.