The Superintendent of Itasca Independent School District (ISD) is among the seven individuals apprehended in a meticulously planned sex sting operation, as confirmed by Constable Alan Rosen. The investigators disguised themselves as teenagers to entice and ensnare these predators.
Constable Rosen emphasized the dangerous nature of these individuals, stating, “These predators were online surfing and looking for children.” One of the prime suspects, Michael Stevens, aged 47, had allegedly intended to travel to Houston to engage in illicit activities with a teenage girl. Unbeknownst to him, the person he believed to be a 15-year-old girl was an undercover investigator. Stevens reportedly shared explicit photographs of himself and solicited similar images and videos from the supposed teenager. Remarkably, Stevens, who has a background as a coach, principal, and assistant principal in different districts across North Texas, northwest Texas, and the Gulf Coast, even went as far as filming himself at his workplace, as revealed by Rosen.
The undercover officer maintained communication with Stevens for several months before his arrest. Law enforcement authorities took him into custody at his workplace on Wednesday, leaving him visibly shocked, according to Rosen. Stevens, who is married but has no children, has been charged with online solicitation of a minor and is currently detained at the Harris County Jail, with a bond set at $100,000.
Rosen urged parents to prioritize understanding their children’s online activities, highlighting the potential dangers posed by individuals like Stevens: “There are dangerous predators out there grooming our children and can cause great harm.”
Following the arrest, Itasca ISD issued a statement acknowledging the incident. The school board has scheduled a special meeting on June 5 at 7 a.m. to discuss the matter and take appropriate action.
In addition to Stevens, several others fell into the trap laid by the investigators. Among them was a FedEx worker who engaged in explicit conversations with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl and arrived at an undercover location with a pack of condoms. A 23-year-old man, who had arranged to meet a 14-year-old girl, attempted to flee but was apprehended by officers. Another individual anticipated a rendezvous with a 16-year-old for sexual activities and was subsequently arrested when he arrived at a undisclosed location, armed with condoms. Furthermore, a 26-year-old unemployed man met with law enforcement officers, thinking he would engage in sexual activities with a 15-year-old girl. Lastly, a man expecting to partake in sexual acts with a 14-year-old girl was arrested after being found with condoms in his possession.
The operation was part of an initiative aimed at combating internet crimes against children. Multiple law enforcement agencies collaborated in the successful execution of this operation, including the Humble Police Department, Humble ISD, Houston Police Department, Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Harris County District Attorney’s Office, Texas City Police Department, Spring ISD Police Department/Emergency Management and School Safety, Montgomery County Precinct 2 Constable, Missouri City Police Department, FBI – Houston, Texas Department of Public Safety, Roman Forest Police Department, Conroe Police Department, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, and Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office. Constable Rosen underscored the ongoing efforts to uncover potential additional victims or witnesses related to these arrests.
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