Ex-Houston Park Ranger Indicted for Sexual Assault and Extortion of Dozens of Men

Joey Ellis, 34, faces 20 federal charges for allegedly targeting men in city parks, exploiting his position to commit sexual violence and extortion over several years.

Joey Ellis, a former Houston park ranger, has been charged with 20 federal crimes, including civil rights violations, sexual assault, and extortion, involving at least eight confirmed victims and potentially dozens more.
Ellis allegedly used his uniform, badge, and city-issued vehicle to intimidate victims, often threatening arrest or towing unless they paid money or performed sexual acts.
The FBI believes Ellis targeted men, some suspected to be gay, at parks such as Cullen Park, Memorial Park, and others, and has identified over 40 potential victims since the investigation began in June.
Ellis is accused of coercing victims into acts such as stripping, groping, and sexual assault, with some victims forced to use dating apps to lure others to the parks for similar attacks.
City records reveal prior complaints about Ellis, including unauthorized use of a firearm and suspicious behavior, but he was allowed to return to duty before his eventual arrest.