A former volunteer youth minister at Second Baptist Church was taken into custody Wednesday morning on charges of possessing child pornography, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Department.
Tip Leads to Arrest
Detectives say the investigation began after receiving a tip that 27-year-old Carter Thomas admitted to “struggling with viewing child pornography online.” At the time, Thomas held a volunteer role supervising youth activities at Second Baptist Church.
Evidence Discovered on Electronic Devices
Authorities report that a forensic search of Thomas’s electronic devices uncovered twenty-three images of child pornography. He was taken into custody shortly after investigators identified the material.
Bond Granted with Strict Restrictions
Court documents show Thomas has since posted bond. As a condition of his release, he is prohibited from being within 1,000 feet of any location where children gather, including schools, playgrounds, and churches.
Church Officials Yet to Respond
Second Baptist Church was contacted for comment regarding Thomas’s arrest, but has not responded at this time.
Legal Recourse for Victims of Church Volunteer Abuse
Following the arrest of former Second Baptist Church youth minister Carter Thomas on child pornography charges, families wonder about protections for those harmed by trusted volunteers. Houston sexual abuse attorney Anjali Nigam outlines paths to accountability. Victims hold options under Texas law to confront both the abuser and institutions that enabled harm.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: Cases like this raise alarms for families. What steps can victims of sexual abuse by church volunteers take legally in Texas?
Anjali Nigam, Esq.: Victims should report immediately to law enforcement and preserve evidence like messages or witness accounts. They can file civil suits against the church for negligent supervision, often seeking compensation for therapy, lost wages, and pain through claims under Texas law.
Banville: How does the church's role factor in?
Nigam: Churches face liability if they failed to screen volunteers properly or ignored red flags. Survivors may pursue settlements via clergy abuse funds or direct litigation, with statutes of limitations extended for minors in Houston courts.
Take Action Now: Free Consultation Awaits
Victims of sexual abuse by church volunteers like Carter Thomas and their families deserve swift justice without delay. Contact our team today for a confidential, no-cost consultation with experienced attorneys ready to fight for your rights and compensation under Texas law. Call now—your voice matters, and recovery starts with one step.
Source
https://abc13.com/post/former-houston-youth-minister-arrested-child-pornography-charge/18246874/
