Last week, the Montgomery County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office spearheaded Operation East Watch, a proactive online investigation aimed at identifying and apprehending individuals attempting to exploit children online.
The operation deployed undercover detectives and agents across multiple jurisdictions, including Montgomery County Constable Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; Oak Ridge North Police Department; Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division; and attorneys from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. The combined effort was part of the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Houston Metro Area ICAC Task Force.
While the operation primarily focused on East Montgomery County, suspects from five additional states were identified attempting to communicate with individuals they believed to be children located in the area.
Results of Operation East Watch include:
- 3 arrests for online solicitation of a child
- 2 ICE detainers placed on arrestees
- 1 vehicle seized from an arrestee
- 3.7 grams of methamphetamine seized
- 2 guns seized
- 12 felony charges filed and arrest warrants pending
- 5 pending arrest warrants for out-of-state individuals for promotion of child pornography
- 13 individuals online refused to meet after learning the decoy’s stated age
- Multiple individuals online acknowledged a strong law enforcement presence and refrained from meeting
Montgomery County Precinct 4 Constable Kenneth “Rowdy” Hayden emphasized the operation’s commitment to protecting children, noting ongoing efforts to pursue online predators.
The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office and participating agencies remain committed to continuing investigations related to this operation. Additional arrests and charges are anticipated as online chats continue and evidence is reviewed.
Well that’s great! However the local drug business marches on strong as ever. New Sheriff, same ole constables, same old problem. Selling their meth and other drugs at the store on the corner of Fostoria and Morgan Cemetery roads, unchecked, unchallenged, and unabated. It’s wide open 24-7. It’s strange how they are totally not afraid of getting caught, as if they feel “protected”.