An Uber driver in Montgomery County is behind bars after investigators say he used rides with teenagers to swap contact information and later send sexually explicit images. The driver, identified by law enforcement as Josiah Carroll, is facing felony charges that could put him in prison for years. The county's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is leading the probe and is urging anyone with information to step up.
How investigators say it happened
Earlier this month, the Montgomery County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a complaint that kicked off the case. Detectives say they learned Carroll exchanged personal contact information with a minor during an Uber trip, then used it later to send sexually explicit material.
As reported by the Houston Chronicle, Carroll was arrested Monday and charged with online solicitation of a minor; the outlet lists him as 28. Court records tied to the case had not appeared in the Montgomery County District Clerk database as of Wednesday morning.
Second complaint and additional charges
Investigators say the case grew after a second alleged victim was identified. A Magnolia Police Department detective assigned to the ICAC task force received a separate complaint, which authorities say led to an additional charge.
According to KPRC Click2Houston, Carroll was also booked on solicitation of prostitution of a minor and was taken into custody by Precinct 1 deputies after an arrest warrant was issued. The station noted an Instagram profile and LinkedIn listing that described him as a Diamond-tier Uber driver with thousands of ratings.
Investigators urge potential victims to come forward
Authorities say they are concerned there may be more victims and are asking anyone who had contact with Carroll through rideshare apps, social media or other channels to reach out. The Montgomery County District Attorney's ICAC Division can be reached at 936-539-7800, and tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers, officials told the Houston Chronicle. Precinct 1 Constable Cash and Magnolia Police Chief Montgomery also urged parents to revisit basic online-safety rules with teens and to closely supervise rideshare use.
Legal context
Under Texas law, "online solicitation of a minor" is defined in Penal Code §33.021 and can be filed as a third- or second-degree felony, depending on the age of the alleged victim and the conduct involved. The statute covers sexually explicit communications and sending sexually explicit material to minors. A second-degree felony carries a possible sentence of two to 20 years in prison and potential fines under Texas law. For the full statutory language, see the Texas Legislature's copy of Penal Code §33.021.
What parents and riders can do
Police and safety experts say minors should avoid sharing personal phone numbers or social media handles with drivers, should ride in the back seat, and should use in-app messaging so parents can more easily monitor trips. Parents are encouraged to tighten privacy settings on their children's phones and to talk frankly with them about not replying to sexual content or messages from adults. If families suspect inappropriate contact, they should contact local law enforcement and the DA's ICAC Division immediately.
Investigators say the probe is ongoing and additional charges could follow as new leads develop. Carroll, like all defendants, is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
