Shocking Discovery During Robbery Probe in La Porte Uncovers Child Sex Abuse Ring
A robbery investigation in La Porte took a dark turn in February, leading to the arrest of 40-year-old resident Enrigue “Ricky” Vela on multiple felony charges related to child sexual assault and exploitation.
According to a press release from the La Porte Police Department, the Criminal Investigations Division initiated their investigation on February 26, 2025. This followed the discovery of disturbing files on Vela’s cellular phone. Vela had permitted investigators to search one of his devices while being questioned about an unrelated robbery.
During this initial search, investigators located video files containing child pornography. Subsequently, a search warrant was obtained to conduct a more thorough forensic examination of both of Vela’s cell phones.
The detailed forensic analysis of the devices allegedly revealed numerous video files depicting Vela sexually assaulting several local underage male children. Authorities were able to identify four child victims in these videos, whose ages ranged from 13 to 16 years.
Upon the conclusion of their investigation, the La Porte Police Department contacted the Harris County District Attorney’s Human Trafficking and Crimes against Children’s Bureau. The bureau accepted charges against Vela for a multitude of felonious offenses.
Enrique “Ricky” Vela has been formally charged with one count of Continuous Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, one count of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, three counts of Sexual Performance by a Child, and three counts of Possession / Promotion or Production of Child Pornography. These eight First Degree Felony charges carry a potential sentence exceeding 85 years upon conviction.
Authorities have indicated that additional charges against Vela in connection with this ongoing investigation are pending.
