Horizon City police say a 34-year-old man landed in jail after allegedly showing inappropriate material on his cellphone to a juvenile during a disturbance last Wednesday in the 19000 block of Darrington Road.
Officers identified the man as 34-year-old Terence Andrew Mendoza. The day after the incident, he was booked into the El Paso County Downtown Jail on a charge of “display of harmful material to a minor,” with bond set at $3,000. Jail records show he was released Friday after posting a personal recognizance bond.
According to KFOX, Horizon City officers were called to a business on Darrington Road, where investigators later concluded that Mendoza had shown the material to a juvenile. The station reports that the Horizon City Police Department did not specify what kind of content was involved and that the department supplied the booking photo used in coverage. Jail records list the charge as “display of harmful material to a minor” and confirm the $3,000 bond amount.
How the charge works under Texas law
Under Texas law, the offense of “sale, distribution or display of harmful material to a minor” applies to material that is considered patently offensive to minors and that lacks redeeming social value. The statute generally treats this conduct as a Class A misdemeanor, although the charge can be raised in certain situations. Penalties vary according to how the Texas Penal Code classifies the offense. The statute can be found in the Texas Constitution and Statutes, and punishment ranges are set out elsewhere in the Texas Penal Code.
What comes next
Authorities have released a few additional details, and it is not yet known whether prosecutors will seek any further counts beyond the current charge. If they decide to move ahead, the case will continue through the El Paso County court system, where evidence and intent will be reviewed. Community members who may have information about the incident are encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
