Parker County man accused of solicitation of a minor

A Parker County man is facing multiple felony charges related to solicitation of a minor, following a Parker County Sheriff’s Office investigation. 

Investigators conducted a search and arrest warrant operation Sept. 23. They arrested Jerrod Roper, 43, according to Parker County Sgt. Shane Cartwright, the SO’s public information officer. 

At the time of his arrest Roper confessed to investigators that he did communicate with a girl that he believed to be younger than 18 years of age in a sexually explicit manner, according to Cartwright.

Roper was arrested for the offenses of Sexual Performance by Child (under 18 years) 2^nd degree felony, and Online Solicitation of a Minor, 2^nd degree felony. Roper was booked into Parker County Jail without incident. Judge Craig Towson of the 43^rd District Court in Parker County issued bonds for Roper totaling $1 million.      

The investigation began in Seabrook where police detectives there were working a case that dealt with the same 15-year-old victim. Seabrook police discovered there could be another perpetrator that resided in Parker County.

Parker County Sheriff’s Office investigators received reports and supporting evidence from the Seabrook Police Department indicating Roper, residing at a residence in eastern Parker County was communicating with the juvenile through the internet-based messaging application known as Discord. The investigation revealed text messages sent from Roper to the juvenile were sexually graphic. It was also revealed that on at least one prior occasion Roper received nude images of the 15-year-old.

Parker County Sheriff Russ Authier praised investigators for their work, stating those who target children will be held accountable.

During the search of Roper’s residence investigators seized numerous electronic devices which will undergo further forensic examination, according to Cartwright.