The Pasadena ISD Police Department has been proactive in investigating computer crimes against children – an action that has resulted in a total of six arrests for online solicitation of minors since August 2006.

One Pasadena ISD officer, pretending to be a 13 to 14-year-old girl, entered various chat rooms where “she” was quickly accosted by older men who attempted to build a relationship and then meet with her. After collecting sufficient evidence, the six arrests were made.

“The safety of our students is always our first concern. We want every potential predator to realize that if he or she is trying to pick up a Pasadena ISD student online, it may, in reality, be one of our police officers,” said Kirk Lewis, Pasadena ISD Superintendent. “We also need parents to realize how vigilant and diligent they need to be in training their children to aware of Internet dangers and being aware themselves of what their children are doing and to whom they are talking. These predators make contact quickly and build relationships with the children by making them feel important. We are proud of our officers and the excellent job they are doing.”

According to Pasadena ISD Police, there is no stereotype of the persons committing these crimes. School district officials said there have been unemployed offenders and offenders with excellent jobs and education.

“These persons have had no previous offenses or records, which makes them more difficult to identify in other areas,” said Troy Harrison, assistant chief of the Pasadena ISD Police.

The most recent arrest was of Ryan Whitlock, 31, who is active in the youth department at the Pasadena First Church of the Nazarene. If anyone has information about other inappropriate activity of this type, please contact the Pasadena ISD Police Department at 713-740-0200.