Man Sentenced to 24 Consecutive Years for Child Pornography in Montgomery County
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas – A Montgomery County court has sentenced Zachary David Johnson, 23, to 24 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice after he was convicted on four counts of Possession of Child Pornography.
In the 435th District Court on October 29, 2025, Judge Kaycee Jones ordered that each six-year sentence be served consecutively, resulting in the 24-year term.
Investigation and Conviction Details
The investigation began when Detective Minchew with the Montgomery County Precinct 2 Constable’s Office received sixteen cyber tips from media platforms regarding a user storing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
- Undercover Operation: Through a digital investigation, Detective Minchew traced the accounts to Johnson and initiated an undercover conversation. Johnson subsequently sent four videos of child pornography.
- Forensic Evidence: A forensic examination of Johnson’s phone uncovered hundreds of additional images and videos of CSAM, some depicting victims as young as 18 months old. Investigators also found evidence that Johnson had engaged in sexually explicit conversations with other minors.
- Predatory Behavior: Further investigation revealed that Johnson was active in the local sports community, frequently attending athletic events where young boys were present. He reportedly used his physical disability to gain sympathy and trust from others.
Johnson pled guilty after jury selection, and the jury proceeded with the punishment phase before the 24-year sentence was imposed.
District Attorney Michael Holley stated: “This defendant’s conduct was predatory and deliberate. He collected hundreds of images and videos of child sexual abuse and used his disability to exploit access to children. Our office will continue to seek justice for victims and stand with law enforcement to expose those who target children.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frances Manzo of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Division of the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.
