Indiana Man Arrested in Texas Online Solicitation Investigation

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas – A 44-year-old Indiana man has been arrested on an online solicitation of a minor charge following an undercover investigation conducted by a Montgomery County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office investigator.

Authorities identified the suspect as Paul Andrew Downen, 44, of Lafayette, Indiana.

According to the Precinct 1 Constable’s Office, Sgt. Jerry Serratt, a member of its Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, was conducting a proactive undercover online investigation when Downen contacted him.

The agency did not disclose the platform used for the communications, what was discussed or whether Downen believed he was communicating directly with a minor.

Following the investigation, the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and obtained an arrest warrant charging Downen with online solicitation of a minor.

The DA’s Internet Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking team handles both proactive and reactive investigations involving suspected technology-facilitated crimes against children and works with local, state and federal agencies through the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

After the warrant was issued, the U.S. Marshals Service was asked to help locate and arrest Downen.

Serratt was notified Sept. 16 that Downen had been taken into custody. Authorities did not provide additional details about where the arrest occurred or whether Downen will be extradited to Montgomery County.

Online solicitation of a minor cases in Texas can involve allegations that a person used electronic communications in an attempt to arrange sexual contact or other prohibited sexual activity with a minor. The precise allegations and subsection of Texas law under which Downen is charged were not specified in the announcement.