Federal and Texas officials continue to work together to track those who they believe are violating federal and state laws, either while online or otherwise.
In one recent case, a teacher and coach with a Harris County school district was arrested while he was at work. He faces charges of online solicitation of a minor, which is a felony charge that could lead to a decade in prison.
The teacher’s employer has already announced that it placed the teacher on leave and barred him from school property and school activities. Both his job and his professional teaching license are in question.
In his case, police say that an officer pretended to be a 15-year-old girl and started communicating with the teacher. According to police, the man eventually sent explicit pictures and tried to arrange to meet the person he thought was 15.
In an earlier operation, officers from different departments arrested almost 250 people in the northern part of Texas. The officers also seized thousands of computers, phones and other pieces of digital technology.
According to authorities, most of the arrests were connected to online activity. However, as part of the sting, law enforcement said they conducted 73 undercover operations through instant messaging or chats.
Some of those caught in this sting operation will face charges in federal court. Presumably, the local Texas courts will handle the rest of the charges.
Those facing sex crimes because of a sting operation may have options
It could be easy for a Beaumont resident accused of a sex crime following a sting to believe that their options are limited. However, defenses may be available to someone caught up in one of these law enforcement operations.
For example, authorities must follow the law at every step of their investigation. If they do not do so, then their cases might not even make it to a trial.
Those facing serious charges related to sex or unlawful internet activity should make sure they know their rights and alternatives.