Law enforcement agencies in Texas report that crimes against the most defenseless members of society continue to rise.
A former Houston Police Department sergeant, Stephen McGee, was arrested for five counts of child erotica/pornography and for stalking. He left his position in the Houston police force in October 2016.
McGee, 44 years old, was arrested as a result of Operation Broken Heart. He allegedly accessed an ex-girlfriend’s mobile phone records, harassed her, and posted nude images of her on a fake Facebook account.
Child Predator and Human Trafficking Crimes in Houston
Child predator and human trafficking crimes are more numerous than ever:
- A months’ long sting operation concluded with arrests of a Houston Police Department sergeant and a Harris County Sheriff’s Office Deputy. The sting operation was designed to target individuals involved in online sexual exploitation of children.
- The sting operation, known as Operation Broken Heart, occurred on March to May 2018. One hundred fifty-two charges and 60 arrests in eight Texas counties have been made as of June 2018.
- In addition, law enforcement agencies in greater Houston continue to crack down on sex buyers, or those who solicit or compel prostitution.
- Thirty-nine people were arrested for soliciting or compelling prostitution by the Houston Police Department in June 2018. Suspects’ booking photos were released to the public.
Operation Broken Heart and Sex Buyers’ Sting Operations
Clearly, law enforcement is focused on protecting at-risk children and those who sell sex in our community. If you or a loved one is facing charges of online solicitation of a minor, sexual assault on a child, sexual abuse of a child, sex crimes against children (e.g. child pornography), child molestation, soliciting or compelling prostitution, you need an experienced Texas criminal defense lawyer now.
Operation Broken Heart targeted those who possess, produce, receive, or distribute child pornography and the sex trafficking of minor children in greater Houston.
More than 2,300 alleged child predators were identified by the Task Force throughout the United States. Investigators were tasked to follow up more than 25,000 complaints involving crimes against minor children, including almost 400 children who suffered historical, recent, or ongoing sexual abuse or child pornography.
If you or someone you care about is accused of committing a crime against a child, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Child Molestation Charges Defense
Child molestation is an extremely serious charge in Texas and throughout the United States. A false or malicious accusation of child molestation can destroy the defendant’s livelihood and personal reputation. He or she is likely to lose employment prospects, family members, friends, and professional associates.
If you or someone you love is facing false child molestation charges, you need an experienced Texas criminal defense attorney. If convicted of a child abuse crime, the offender faces a second-degree felony and a maximum of 20 years in prison or a first-degree felony involving up to 99 years in prison if he or she used a weapon or force to commit the crime.
Child Pornography Defense
Learning that you or someone you love is being investigated for child pornography is a shocking experience. After you’re charged with child pornography, your reputation and freedom are in danger. You must provide a strong, fast response.
Contact an experienced child pornography lawyer if you’re being questioned about child pornography images on your computer or if you’re under investigation for this offense. Possession of child pornography in Houston is a serious internet sex crime. It may occur as a result of an accidental download or mistaken identity if the defendant shares a computer.
An experienced Texas criminal defense attorney will review the circumstances and facts of your case to overcome any false allegations against you. He will work to reduce the potential penalties and punishments you’re facing.
A conviction of possessing child pornography has serious consequences, including the requirement of registering as a sex offender for the remainder of your life.
Child Molestation Charges Defense
Child molestation is an extremely serious charge in Texas and throughout the United States. A false or malicious accusation of child molestation can destroy the defendant’s livelihood and personal reputation. He or she is likely to lose employment prospects, family members, friends, and professional associates.
If you or someone you love is facing false child molestation charges, you need an experienced Texas criminal defense attorney. If convicted of a child abuse crime, the offender faces a second-degree felony and a maximum of 20 years in prison or a first-degree felony involving up to 99 years in prison if he or she used a weapon or force to commit the crime.
Sexual Assault on a Child Defense
An accusation involving sex crimes is devastating to the defendant and those close to him or her. A charge of unlawful sexual activity involving a child is especially hard to handle. Damaged reputations, professional fallout, and family destruction are all too common after-effects.
Sexual assault on a child is an especially serious offense. This charge may include any of the following activities:
- Inappropriate fondling or touching of a child
- Lewd conduct involving a child
- Child prostitution or pornography
- Intercourse with a child
- Molestation of a child
The facts of each case are unique. These circumstances and facts ultimately dictate penalties associated with a conviction.
If convicted, the offender faces significant fines, extensive jail time, registration as a sex offender in Texas, probation or parole. He or she will have a permanent criminal record. These penalties and punishments may affect the offender’s employment prospects, the ability to lease a residence, or gain access to educational opportunities.
Sexual Abuse of a Child Defense
A charge of sexual abuse of a child is another potentially devastating legal accusation. If convicted, the offender faces severe punishments in Texas and federal courts.
Sexual abuse against a child may include:
- Touching, or lewd or lascivious behavior with a child
- Indecent exposure
- Child pornography
- Intercourse without consent
- Additional offenses involving harm to a child’s mental or physical welfare
The Texas Family Code also states that failure to “adequately prevent” sexual contact or conduct with a child is also a criminal offense.
If you or someone you care about has been accused of sexual abuse against a child, understand that the prosecution has the full burden of proof. If the prosecutor cannot prove the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, the case may fall apart.
An experienced sexual abuse against a child lawyer will vigorously pursue plea bargaining, reduced sentencing, or dismissal of the case to protect his client.
Contact a Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer
Law enforcement in Texas remains focused on child sex crimes and certain sex buyer crimes.
It’s essential that all evidence, testimony, and witnesses are thoroughly scrutinized and investigated by an experienced Texas criminal defense lawyer. He may be able to have the charges against you or a loved one reduced or even dismissed.
Call The Law Office of Matthew D. Sharp in Houston now for an initial case evaluation at 713-999-4634.
