In March 2024, a Precinct 4 detective received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, indicating that someone in East Montgomery County had uploaded child pornography to a social media account.
Acting on this information, investigators launched a detailed investigation that uncovered additional evidence, leading to the identification of 29-year-old Marthaniel Jermaine Dunning, recently of Kingwood, Texas, as a suspect.
In August 2024, Precinct 4 Criminal Investigations Division (CID) detectives, Special Response Team (SRT) members, and representatives from the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office executed a search warrant at Dunning’s residence on Ford Road in Porter, Texas. During the search, digital devices allegedly were seized as evidence, along with a small quantity of marijuana.
While at the scene, investigators reportedly observed digitally manipulated images of nude children. Dunning allegedly claimed these images were generated using artificial intelligence, which he believed to be legal. The digital evidence was secured for further forensic analysis.
Detectives also reportedly discovered that children living in the residence were exposed to unsafe and unsanitary conditions, including soiled beds, active insect infestations, and used adult paraphernalia left within the children’s reach. As a result, Dunning was arrested on charges of possession of marijuana and two counts of child endangerment.
On Jan. 10, 2025, while reviewing data from Dunning’s social media account, a Precinct 4 detective allegedly discovered a homemade digital video showing Dunning committing a sexual assault against a child. Based on this new evidence, and in coordination with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, arrest warrants were issued for Dunning on charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child and possession of child pornography, both first-degree felonies.
Within an hour of obtaining the arrest warrants, Pct. 4 Detectives and Deputies located and arrested Dunning without incident. He was subsequently transported and booked into the Montgomery County Jail.
Constable Rowdy Hayden stated, “Protecting the children of East Montgomery County remains a top priority for our office. This case shows the importance of bringing those who harm children to justice. I commend our detectives and our law enforcement partners for their dedication to ensuring the safety of our community’s most vulnerable members.”
Public castration would be a start…