FIREFIGHTER ARRESTED ON CHILD GROOMING CHARGES

  

A local firefighter was arrested on third degree felony charges of child grooming.

According to a statement by Bellville Police Chief Robert Bellville, the case began back in January when his department was alerted to an adult male attempting to have inappropriate conversations through social media apps with juveniles.

While investigating the matter, Chief Bellville said that more juveniles came forward alleging that Jason Gaines was sending them sexually suggestive messages.

After a thorough investigation presented to the Austin County District Attorney and the Austin County Grand Jury, Gaines was indicted for Child Grooming.

A warrant was issued for Gaines’ arrest, and he was taken into custody at a fire station in Houston on May 28 with assistance from the U.S. Marshall’s Office, and transported to the Austin County Jail.

Gaines was selected as Second Assistant Chief of the Bellville Fire Department back in January of this year.

Bellville Fire Chief Clyde Gordon issued a statement. While, not identifying Gaines by name, he did say that he was suspended from all department duties pending the outcome of legal proceedings and an internal review by Department leadership.

Gordon added, “While the department recognizes that all individuals are entitled to due process under the law, we also hold our own members to high standards of conduct and professionalism.”

Because of this being on ongoing legal matters, Gordon said there would be no further comment.