Conroe, TX – A multiyear investigation involving federal and local law enforcement has resulted in four arrests across Montgomery County and the Houston region after authorities say a 12-year-old girl was rescued from severe and ongoing abuse. Officials report the case remains active as agencies continue reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses.
According to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, two men are accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting the child after she was brought into the United States in 2014. Investigators say one of the men, a 49-year-old Honduran national, was acting as the child’s sponsor at the time. Despite a prior criminal conviction, he was granted Temporary Protected Status in 2024 before that protection was later revoked. He was transferred from an ICE facility into Harris County custody on Nov. 5.
HSI Houston also confirmed that the second man, a 45-year-old Salvadoran national, was taken into custody in The Woodlands on Nov. 4 with assistance from the Montgomery County Constable’s Office.
Authorities said the child briefly escaped the alleged sponsor with assistance from two Houston-area women, ages 37 and 38, who claimed they were helping her. Instead, investigators allege the pair zip-tied, beat, malnourished, and forced the child to perform manual labor. Both women were arrested by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office on Oct. 3 on charges including felony injury to a child, unlawful restraint, and invasive visual recording.
Officials from HSI Houston and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office described the case as “disturbing” and emphasized that the safety of vulnerable children remains their highest priority. No further details are being released to protect the child’s privacy.
Anyone who suspects a minor is being exploited is asked to contact local law enforcement or the HSI Tipline at 1-866-DHS-2423.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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