A recent unsettling revelation has emerged from the Houston Parks Department, where ranger Joey Ellis, 33, has been accused of using his position of authority to rob gay men at Cullen Park. According to a Houston Chronicle report, the 23-year-old is facing charges of abusing his authority and abusing his badge, in an incident where he reportedly threatened to arrest two men if they did not comply with his demand for $300.
Ellis, who was supposed to be stationed at Hermann Park and was not permitted to be armed while on duty, allegedly demanded that one of the men strip and make a false confession on video. Assistant Harris County District Attorney Kimberly Smith expressed concern that there may be more victims and has urged any additional individuals who believe they were targeted to come forward. According to ABC13, the accused was granted a $30,000 bond under the condition he remains within Harris and contiguous counties and adheres to a 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. curfew.
The allegations are particularly troubling as they come to light during Pride Month, echoing a painful legacy of distrust between the LGBT community and law enforcement. Avery Belyue, CEO of the Montrose Center, reminded the public that "Our community continues to be targeted" and stressed that their work is far from over. In light of these worrying developments, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department has taken action by removing Ellis from the work schedule pending a thorough investigation by the Houston Police Department. Ellis, who has been employed with the department since 2019, has denied the allegations through his defense attorney, William Weston Rucker, who insists his client is contesting the charges.
One of the alleged victims, Joshua Beede, has shared his harrowing account with ABC13, recalling how he was asleep in his car when Ellis allegedly threatened him with arrest and a gun, even coercing him to lure other men to the park through a dating app presumably for further robberies. "I was, like, fearful for my life, so I was doing everything he said," Beede told ABC13. The quick response from authorities led to Ellis's arrest, with the prospect of uncovering additional victims as the investigation unfolds.
