The Woodlands pastor charged with prostitution

Mayra Moreno Image
Thursday, July 20, 2017

THE WOODLANDS, Texas (KTRK) -- A Montgomery County religious leader has been charged with prostitution.

According to charging documents, 52-year-old Eddie Hilburn was taken into custody after he agreed to pay for sex.

Officials at The Woodlands First Baptist Church confirmed that Hilburn is an associate pastor. According to the church's website, Hilburn has been with the church since 2012 and had previously served at other churches across Texas and Wisconsin.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Hilburn leaves jail

ABC13 was the only station on the scene when a The Woodlands pastor charged with prostitution left jail.

Hilburn appeared in court Thursday morning just hours after he had been arrested in a hotel.

Charging documents allege Hilburn paid an undercover Harris County Sheriff's deputy $80 for sexual activities. Soon after the alleged money exchange, deputies moved in to arrest him.

The Woodlands First Baptist Church issued the following statement following Hilburn's arrest:

The Woodlands First Baptist Church is still gathering information regarding our staff member Eddie Hilburn. We can assure you that a statement will be issued once all facts are known, and administration has had an opportunity to review them. We appreciate your patience in the meantime, and we continue to look to God for guidance.