5 arrested in Houston online solicitation sting, including 2 wanted by ICE
Two suspects wanted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement were arrested in a Houston online solicitation sting conducted by Precinct 4 Constables. A live press conference with additional details is scheduled for today.
Houston law enforcement officials have arrested five adults in an undercover online operation targeting individuals attempting to meet minors for sexual activity.
The operation, led by Harris County Precinct 4 Constables’ High-Tech Crimes Unit, spanned three days and involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, Houston Police Department, and several other constable offices.
Authorities said the suspects communicated with undercover officers posing as young boys and girls on social media before traveling to predetermined locations, only to be met by officers and quickly taken into custody.
“These suspects chatted with undercover officers online, made plans and deals with who they thought were our children. Then met at predetermined locations to engage in sexual activities with who they thought at the time to be kids. When they arrived at the locations, I’m happy to say they were in for a rude awakening, and they were arrested by police officers with Precinct Four Constable’s Office or undercover units,” said Constable Mark Herman. “If it were up to them, they would be preying on our children right now.”
Some suspects traveled a considerable distance to meet with what they thought were minors, highlighting the lengths offenders would go to carry out their plans.
“These are very dangerous individuals that would, if it were up to them, be preying on our children right now and victimizing and hurting our kids. Protecting our most vulnerable, our children, is very important to law enforcement,” Herman said.
Two of the suspects arrested are also wanted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Hermann said that Governor Abbott provided unprecedented state resources to Harris County for the operation, with state personnel working alongside local law enforcement. He noted that the level of collaboration and cooperation among agencies was unlike anything he had seen before in the county.
While officers work to catch predators, Herman stressed that parents also have a critical part to play in safeguarding their children.
“Education is key. Children must understand the risks of interacting with strangers online. People you don’t know that you meet online, you don’t know who they are, you don’t know their intentions, but I think that every parent should stress that to their children,” Hermann explained.
