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Harris County Sheriff’s Sergeant Held on Federal Child-Exploitation Charges After Florida Sting

A Florida undercover probe alleging he sent obscene images to a decoy identified as 13 now proceeds in federal court with a detention hearing set for Feb. 3.

Overview

  • John Fedrick Black, 46, was arrested on a Leon County warrant earlier this week and is now in federal custody in Houston.
  • The federal complaint alleges he attempted to transmit obscene material to a minor under 16, while state counts include distributing obscene material to a minor, unlawful use of a computer to seduce or solicit a child, and unlawful use of a two-way communications device.
  • Court records describe messages that began Jan. 12 after he was told the purported age was 13, including nude photos and a video of himself.
  • Investigators in Leon County say he also engaged in similar conversations with two other minors on the platform, and they indicate more charges could be filed.
  • The Harris County Sheriff’s Office says he has been suspended with pay pending an internal affairs investigation, and court records show he remains on the county payroll.