A fraud investigation led to the arrest of a 23-year-old man on child pornography charges, which expanded to include multiple felony sex offenses against children.
Gabriel Miller was taken into custody on February 12 after Sherman police executed a search warrant in the 100 block of North Harrison Avenue as part of the fraud probe. Officers seized several items, including an electronic device belonging to Miller.
“Detectives returned to the police department, searched the phone, and were able to find evidence of child pornography,” Sherman police spokesperson Sgt. Brandon Hughes said, KTEN reported.
Miller was charged that day with possession of child pornography. As detectives pursued further search warrants, they uncovered evidence of additional crimes.
“Bestiality, continuous sexual abuse of children, and invasive visual recording,” Hughes said, detailing the new offenses.
Arrest warrants for those charges were served on February 16 while Miller remained in custody. He now faces possession of child pornography, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, bestiality, and invasive visual recording.
“This investigation is one of the most serious crimes we can investigate as a police department,” Hughes said.
Miller is held in the Grayson County Jail on bonds totaling $1.125 million.
“That is the combined total of all of the charges — I think that’s just a testament to how serious these charges are,” Hughes said.
The Criminal Investigations Division continues to lead the case, which has already spanned several days and could take more time to complete.
“Our Criminal Investigations Division is leading the case. It has taken several days already, and I know the investigation will take more time — days, or even weeks — to wrap up before we forward it to the District Attorney’s office,” Hughes said.
If convicted on the most serious charge, Miller could face 25 years to life in prison.
