Houston Park Ranger Indicted for Civil Rights Violations and Assault

A federal grand jury has indicted Joey Lamar Ellis, 34, of Houston, on 20 counts of civil rights violations for allegedly abusing his authority as a City of Houston urban park ranger. The indictment, announced by U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani on December 3, accuses Ellis of detaining, assaulting, and exploiting park visitors late at night.

Ellis is accused of targeting eight victims by blocking their vehicles with his city-issued vehicle, confiscating their driver’s licenses and cell phones, and falsely accusing them of crimes. According to the charges, he threatened victims with towing, arrests, and fabricated charges unless they complied with his demands.

The indictment alleges that Ellis demanded money from some victims and physically or sexually assaulted others. Specific accusations include groping, forcing a victim to strip, and committing sexual assault. In multiple instances, Ellis allegedly brandished a firearm to intimidate victims and instructed at least one not to report the incidents.

Ellis is scheduled to make his initial court appearance at 2 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Edison.

The FBI, with assistance from the Houston Police Department, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sharad Khandelwal and Rebekah Saunders are prosecuting the case.

Authorities urge anyone who believes they may be a victim or has information to contact the FBI Houston Field Office at 713-693-5000 or complete the FBI’s online Seeking Victims form.

An indictment is a formal accusation and does not constitute evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.