A Houston METRO police officer faces charges related to a child sex crime following an undercover sting operation. Gabriel Thomas Slusher, 27, was arrested yesterday afternoon after he allegedly solicited explicit images from an undercover officer, whom he believed to be a child. This operation was part of an effort by the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force to crack down on online child exploitation.
According to Click2Houston, Slusher made contact online with an undercover officer and requested nude photographs of an 8-year-old girl. A warrant for his arrest was issued after his identity was confirmed during the sting. The Montgomery County ICAC Task Force enlisted the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service to apprehend the officer.
Slusher was booked into the Montgomery County Jail with his bond set at $100,000, facing a charge of attempt to commit sexual performance by a child under 14, a second-degree felony. As of the following day, records indicate that Slusher remains in custody.
In response to these allegations, METRO has taken decisive action. “The conduct under investigation is deeply disturbing and stands in direct opposition to the values and standards of METRO and the METRO Police Department. We unequivocally condemn any such conduct,” METRO's statement read, as noted by ABC13. The agency confirmed that Slusher has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information related to this case or other potential online child exploitation incidents to come forward. Contact details have been provided for the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office ICAC Division and Crime Stoppers for those who wish to assist in the investigation.
