Mineral Wells Area News

Reporting By Amy Meyer

PARKER COUNTY — A 43-year-old Parker County man was arrested Sept. 23 following an investigation into allegations that he communicated online with a 15-year-old girl in a sexually explicit manner and received nude images of the child, according to the Parker County Sheriff’s Office.

Jerrod Roper, 43, was arrested on charges of Sexual Performance by a Child and Online Solicitation of a Minor, both second-degree felonies. His bonds were set at a combined $1 million by 43rd District Court Judge Craig Towson, according to the sheriff’s office.

The investigation originated in Seabrook, Texas, where detectives were investigating a case involving the same 15-year-old on Aug. 14. During that investigation, authorities learned there could be another individual involved who lived in Parker County.

Parker County investigators received reports and supporting evidence from the Seabrook Police Department on Sept. 8 identifying Roper as the individual suspected of communicating with the juvenile through Discord, an internet-based messaging platform.

According to the sheriff’s office, investigators found messages allegedly sent by Roper to the juvenile that were sexually graphic. Investigators also allege Roper had previously received nude images of the 15-year-old.

Investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Roper and a search warrant for his east Parker County residence. Both warrants were executed Sept. 23.

Authorities seized numerous electronic devices from the residence that are expected to undergo forensic examination.

The sheriff’s office reported that during his arrest, Roper admitted to investigators that he had communicated in a sexually explicit manner with a girl he believed was younger than 18.

Roper was taken to the Parker County Jail without incident.

Parker County Sheriff Russ Authier praised investigators for their work and said individuals who target children will be held accountable.

The investigation remains subject to further forensic examination of the electronic devices seized by investigators.

Charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.