Woman sought on porn, assault charges

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Austin police are searching for two small Austin children, who are believed to be in danger. One suspect, accused of sex crimes against them, is in custody. Adrian Navarro, 29, surrendered to San Antonio authorities Saturday night, but police are still looking for his girlfriend, Mariana Garcia, 23, who could be with the young victims. Investigators said their main priority is the safety of the children, but so far, an Amber Alert has not been issued.

Note: KXAN Austin News does not usually report the relationship between a sex crime suspect and victim. We made an exception in this case, in order to explain the conditions of the Amber Alert system and due to the urgent need to find these two children.

"We're very concerned for the well being of these children, but unfortunately, Amber Alert is not a tool we can use right now," said Sgt. James Mason with the Austin Police Department.

Police are searching for two missing girls, who suffered horrific sexual abuse. Both of the victims are under the age of five.

"Right now, they're with their parent, so there's no kidnapping of a child, so it does not meet the criteria for a full blown Amber Alert," said Mason.

Police searched the Austin apartment of Garcia and Navarro during a burglary investigation Jan. 22. They found more than 500 photos and over 15 videos of child porn. Police said some of the videos show the couple engaging in sexual acts with their children. According to Detective Joel Pridgeon with the Austin Police Department, some of the child pornography was filmed in Austin within the last year or so. Police believe the two girls are with Garcia.

"There should be some tweaks to the Amber Alert system," said Rep. Garnet Coleman, (D-Houston).

Coleman wants to see changes to the Amber Alert system. He believes an alert should be issued in this case.

"I think the point is and most people view it as a child in danger, not a child that has been kidnapped," said Rep. Coleman. "You can know a perpetrator, but that doesn't make it safe."

Police said it is difficult, but all they can do is follow the law.

"The children are our top priority right now," said James Mason with Austin Police Department.

Both Navarro and Garcia are charged with aggravated sexual assault, a first-degree felony which carries a sentence of five to 99 years or life in prison, and a fine up to $10,000. Navarro is also charged with promoting child pornography, a second-degree felony.

If you have any information on this case, contact Austin Police or the Child Abuse hotline at (512) 974-6880.