A longtime former Port of Galveston security officer is facing serious criminal charges after two people came forward years later to report what they say happened when they were kids. Authorities say a 59-year-old man has been arrested and charged with two counts of indecency with a child, a case that reaches back to incidents the accusers say occurred in their youth.
Galveston police say Philip Tamayo was booked on two counts of indecency with a child, with bond set at $4,000 for each charge. Detectives say two adult victims first came forward on October 9, 2025, and investigators then presented the case to the Galveston County District Attorney's Office before Tamayo was arrested last Friday and taken to the Galveston County Jail, according to FOX 26 Houston.
Port responds, notes long tenure
In a statement, the Port of Galveston said that "Philip Tamayo is no longer employed by the Port of Galveston" and noted that he moved from the Port police to a Facility Security Officer role late last year. The Port added that he has since been terminated, per the city's release quoted by FOX 26 Houston. Port staff listings also identify Philip Tamayo among the port's security personnel, underscoring his long service with the agency, according to the Port of Galveston.
What the charge means
Under Texas law, indecency with a child covers sexual contact or certain kinds of exposure involving someone younger than 17. The offense may be charged as either indecency by contact, a second-degree felony, or indecency by exposure, a third-degree felony. A conviction can bring prison time, fines, and sex offender registration requirements. The statute's language and penalties are outlined in the Texas Penal Code.
