HOUSTON — A Houston attorney was arrested and charged with online solicitation of a minor after an undercover sting, according to the Precinct 1 Constable's Office.
Investigators said Jeffrey Neil Downing, 45, sent sexually explicit messages and photos to an undercover officer posing as a 15-year-old. He also asked the "teen" to send him sexual images, Precinct 1 said.
Downing was arrested Tuesday following the investigation by deputies for Alan Rosen's office who are part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Downing is General Counsel for the Houston Live Stock Show and Rodeo but has been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.
The Rodeo sent us the following statement:
"We have been informed of the serious allegations against Mr. Downing. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a family-friendly organization with strong moral values that we strive to uphold and instill in every employee. Following our learning of these charges, Mr. Downing has been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation."
Downing started his career as a prosecutor in the Harris County District Attorney's Office, according to a profile in the South Texas College of Law where he got his law degree.
He left to open his own practice.
Downing joined HLSR in 2022.
On Tuesday evening, Downing appeared in probable court. Constable Rosen said undercover deputies posed as a 15-year-old girl and began talking to Downing and the conversations escalated.
"Culminated in asking picture of her. Naked and he also sent pictures of himself in the nude," Rosen said.
According to investigators, Downing had these conversations while thinking the teen was in school.
"He asked her, she said she was at school. Go to the restroom and take pictures of herself and it enhances it to a felony," Rosen said.
Now, Rosen has a message for anyone who would prey on children.
"We want our predators to know we are out here every day looking for you. So, if you think you will approach someone online that is a minor or young female you could be talking to an officer," he said.
Constable Rosen also hopes this serves as a lesson for parents to be more vigilant, especially during the summer months when kids are out of school.
Downing's bond was set at $50,000. As part of his bond conditions, he is not allowed to be on the computer or cell phone with internet of any kind.
His first court appearance is set for Wednesday at 9 a.m.
Downing is married with two young children.