Child Sex Assault Suspect Posed as Minister, Arrested in Montgomery County
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas - The Montgomery County Constable Precinct 3's Office has reported that a man who purported to be an ordained minister has been apprehended in connection with an investigation into child sexual assault.
Source: Freepik
Joseph Shane Horn, the perpetrator, and Sean Brian Snead were apprehended during an operation conducted by the Investigations Division of the precinct on August 1.
Detectives initiated the investigation following the receipt of information that indicated the potential assault of a four-year-old girl. The identification of Horn, who was already wanted on multiple felony charges, was the result of officers' further investigation of the allegations in response to this alarming report. While conducting official business, Horn had been advertising himself as an ordained minister, which raised additional concerns about his activities, according to authorities.
A spokesperson for the Montgomery County Constable's Office stated, "We were able to lure the suspect under the pretense of meeting with someone interested in his services after identifying him." "In reality, those he was meeting were undercover detectives."
Horn and Snead were taken into custody and apprehended upon their arrival at the designated location. The relationship between the two men is still uncertain, and officials have not disclosed any further information.
Mr. Snead is currently being held on a $50,000 bond and has been charged with the fraudulent use or possession of identifying information. Horn is currently facing a variety of felony offenses, such as the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, possession of a controlled substance, a Texas Pardons and Parole Blue warrant, and fraudulent use or possession of identifying information.
As the case progresses, authorities have indicated that additional charges regarding child pornography may be lodged in connection with the ongoing investigation into the allegations against Horn and Snead. The district representative shares that the Special Victims Unit commits to making sure justice is served.
Additionally, the Montgomery County Constable's Office has encouraged the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. They encouraged the parents to be more aware of with whom their children are interacting and to call on law assistance if needed.
Local residents are expressing their astonishment and concern regarding the allegations as the investigation continues. "It is disheartening to consider that an individual could falsely identify as a minister and be involved in an act of such heinousness," stated a resident of Montgomery County. They further seek more protection for their younger children.
The case has underscored the significance of community awareness and the issue of child protection. Parents and guardians are being advised by authorities to inform their children about secure practices and to exercise caution when dealing with individuals who may abuse their positions of authority.
The Montgomery County Constable's Office is dedicated to providing the public with updates on the case as the legal proceedings progress. The office emphasizes that community safety is a priority and that these serious allegations are to be addressed.
The arrests serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in protecting children from potential damage and the absolute necessity of vigilance within the community.
Local authorities are optimistic that justice will be served and that the community will be able to begin to recover from this distressing incident as the investigation progresses.
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