METRO police officer Gabriel Slusher and Jonathan Grant Beyleveld, a lieutenant in the Texas Army National Guard, were arrested Thursday in separate cases.
RICHMOND, Texas — Law enforcement officers who patrol cyberspace to catch child predators nabbed two suspects on Thursday. One is a police officer, the other a military officer.
WARNING: Some may find details disturbing.
Gabriel Slusher
Gabriel Slusher, 27, was arrested at METRO Police headquarters by members of the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
He’s charged with attempt to commit sexual performance by a child under 14.
The Montgomery County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office says Slusher requested nude photos of an eight-year-old girl during a very explicit online chat with an undercover officer.
He’s jailed on a $100,000 bond.
METRO has suspended Slusher without pay pending the criminal investigation and internal review.
In a statement, a METRO spokesperson said in part, quote: “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.”
RELATED: METRO police officer arrested at headquarters after online solicitation sting The head of the METRO Police Officers’ Union urges people to remember you’re innocent until proven guilty.
“We were made aware of it, and we just keep track of the process, and we do everything that anyone else would do — just keep track of the process and anything else that would come from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.” Robert Smith told KHOU 11.
Jonathan Beyleveld
An officer with the Texas Army National Guard faced a magistrate Friday after being charged with online solicitation of a minor.
Detectives with Harris County Precinct One’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit arrested Lt. Jonathan Grant Beyleveld, 42, early Thursday at his home in Richmond.
According to Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen, Beyleveld was busted after he tried to have sex with a 15-year-old girl.
That “girl” was an undercover detective.
Investigators say Beyleveld sent and requested sexually explicit photos as he tried to set up a meeting to have sex and drink alcohol, according to records. He repeatedly told the undercover detective that he wanted to meet on the first day of her summer vacation.
“And that he also likes rape, role playing, sexual fantasies,” the prosecutor said during his court appearance.
Beyleveld’s bond was set at $25,000.
If convicted, he could get up to 10 years in prison.
Beyleveld is a lieutenant in the Guard and is licensed by the State of Texas as a private investigator and security guard. He has also worked at car dealerships in the Houston area.
Detectives ask anyone who has information about the defendant and his alleged sexual interactions with minors to contact the Harris County Constable Precinct One Internet Crimes Against Children Unit at 713-222-4929.
We reached out to the Texas Military Department, which handles media for the Texas Army National Guard. As of Friday evening, they hadn’t responded.
Epidemic of online child sex crimes
According to the non-profit Child Rescue Coalition, one in seven children has experienced online sexual solicitation.
Experts urge parents to communicate with their kids, including how to avoid potential threats and ways to report them.
Child abuse resources & services
If you or someone you know is a victim of child abuse of any kind, there is help available. You can start by contacting one of these agencies or organizations.
- Children’s Assessment Center 1-800-252-5400
- Childhelp 1-800-4-A-CHILD
- Houston Police Department Juvenile Division 713-731-5353
- Crime Stoppers of Houston 713-521-4600
You can also tell an adult you trust, such as a teacher, principal or school counselor.