A registered sex offender in Texas has been apprehended for allegedly harboring and sexually trafficking a 10-year-old girl. 24-year-old Diego Cortez from San Antonio faces charges of harboring a runaway and first-degree felony child trafficking for sexual conduct. Authorities in Hays County responded to reports of the missing girl from Kyle, Texas. It's believed Cortez persuaded her to leave her home and travel to San Antonio, only to return her to Kyle later that day. Cortez was apprehended during a traffic stop. He is a registered sex offender and allegedly used Snapchat, under the usernames Dfordiegs and Slowbass4367, posing as a teenager to gain the trust of minors. Investigators suspect Cortez engaged in sexual acts with the 10-year-old victim and possibly other children in the San Antonio area. The Hays County Sheriff's Office is actively investigating and urging anyone with information to contact Sergeant Mark Opiela.

San Antonio resident Diego Cortez, 24, was charged with harboring a runaway child and child trafficking. (Hays County Sheriff's Office)

Hays County Sheriff's Office authorities are working to identify other potential victims. (Google Maps)