In The Woodlands, a former church employee and volunteer was arrested following an extensive child pornography investigation. Thiago Modelli, 46, faces five counts of possession of child pornography after authorities executed a search at his residence and found thousands of explicit videos and images. As reported by FOX 26 Houston, the operation was a coordinated effort by several agencies, including the Texas Department of Public Safety and local police departments.
Modelli, noted by Click2Houston as a youth volunteer at a local Baptist Church, his home also served as a common space for children in the neighborhood, despite him not having any adolescent children himself. Detected during the operation were disturbing files that depicted sexual abuse of children, including infants and toddlers. Arrested on the scene, Modelli remains in custody at the Montgomery County Jail with bond set at $150,000.
This multi-agency operation was spearheaded by Constable Ryan Gable's Criminal Investigations Division. Engaging with the search warrant execution at Modelli's Harper's Preserve subdivision home was a collection of federal and state-level enforcement, including the United States Secret Service. According to officials involved, Modelli's residence was frequently visited by children in the neighborhood, prompting serious concern in the wake of the discovery.
Authorities have since appealed to parents of children who may have interacted with Modelli, urging them to make contact if they have any concerns regarding their children's safety. The Montgomery County office can be reached at 281-364-4211, and callers are advised to reference the Modelli case.
