An Episcopal priest from a Houston church was arrested for allegedly soliciting a youngster for sex in a sting operation, along with over a dozen other males.
The Collin County Sheriff’s Office coordinated “Operation Home Alone 2024” with the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Dallas Police Department, and the Plano Police Department.
The undercover investigation lasted from April 9 to 11 and targeted people who looked for children for sex online.
According to Collin County Sheriff Jim Skinner, the man traveled to the county with the intention of meeting minor youngsters for sex at hidden sites.
Among the 15 men arrested was Jason Myers, 43, an associate rector at Trinity Episcopal Church in Fort Worth.
According to authorities, ten of those arrested were charged with online solicitation of a minor, while the remaining five were charged with soliciting prostitution from someone under the age of 18.
Myers paid his bond and was released from jail with an ankle monitor.
Police said they were able to seize multiple electronic devices from the accused, and additional charges may be added once a digital forensic analysis is finished.
Skinner said in a statement that parents should monitor their children’s use of social media and online activities.
“Operation Home Alone 2024 acts as a reminder of the possible risks of online communication for children. Cell phones, gaming gadgets, and online computers are hunting grounds for predators looking to prey on children, and I ask parents and guardians to educate their children about the inherent hazards these technology pose,” Skinner added.
“Make no mistake,” he went on to say, “my deputies remain resolute in their efforts to protect children in our community from those who seek to do them harm and my hat goes off to them, and the investigators from participating agencies, for their work on Operation Home Alone 2024.”
The church stated that Myers was suspended from the ministry following his arrest, and that while they do not believe any church members were injured, they are collaborating with the police investigation.