Texas authorities have elevated convicted repeat sex offender Carlos Jose Ayala Morales to Featured Fugitive status for the second time this year, increasing the reward for his capture to $6,000 through August.
The 44-year-old Houston man has evaded arrest since February despite being previously featured as the state’s most wanted in March.
Ayala Morales faces charges of attempted indecency with a child by sexual contact in Harris County. His criminal history includes 2018 convictions for sexual offenses involving four minors aged 8 to 14.
He served concurrent seven-year sentences for three counts of indecency with a child by sexual contact and one count of indecency with a child by exposure. Texas prison officials released him in 2024.
The fugitive stands 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs approximately 250 pounds. He has tattoos on his abdomen, back, right hand, and both arms.
Texas Crime Stoppers has helped capture 44 of the state’s most wanted fugitives in 2025, including 15 sex offenders and 12 criminal illegal immigrants. The program has paid $34,000 in rewards for tips leading to arrests.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the FBI recently introduced its first-ever Houston Most Wanted lineup, highlighting another coordinated effort to bring dangerous fugitives to justice across Texas.
Anonymous tips can be submitted through the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS, the DPS website, or Facebook. Authorities warn the public not to approach Ayala Morales, as he should be considered armed and dangerous.
