A 43-year-old Parker County man was arrested after investigators accused him of using an online messaging platform to communicate sexually with a 15-year-old girl and receiving nude images of the juvenile.
The Parker County Sheriff’s Office said investigators executed an arrest warrant and search warrant on September 23 at a residence in eastern Parker County as part of the investigation.
Investigation Began In Seabrook
According to Parker County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Sgt. Shane Cartwright, the investigation originated in Seabrook, Texas.
Seabrook police were investigating a case involving the same 15-year-old victim on August 14 when investigators learned there could be another person involved who lived in Parker County.
On September 8, Parker County investigators received reports and supporting evidence from the Seabrook Police Department in Harris County. The information identified Jerrod Roper, 43, as a person who had been communicating with the juvenile through Discord.
Investigators said messages sent by Roper contained sexually explicit material. They also determined that Roper had received nude images of the 15-year-old on at least one occasion.
Electronic Devices Seized
Investigators obtained warrants to arrest Roper and search his residence. The warrants were executed at the same time.
Authorities seized multiple electronic devices during the search. The devices will undergo forensic examination as the investigation continues.
According to the sheriff’s office, Roper told investigators following his arrest that he had communicated in a sexually explicit manner with a girl he believed was under 18.
Roper Held On $1 Million Bond
Roper was arrested on charges of Sexual Performance by a Child, a second-degree felony, and Online Solicitation of a Minor, also a second-degree felony.
He was booked into the Parker County Jail without incident.
Judge Craig Towson of the 43rd District Court in Parker County set Roper’s total bond at $1 million.
Parker County Sheriff Russ Authier praised investigators involved in the case and said the department would continue pursuing people accused of targeting children.
Provided by Dallas Express
