Former Harris County deputy arrested on federal child porn charges

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A former Harris County Sheriff's deputy accused of performing a sex act with an animal faces even more charges.

Andrew Sustaita, 30, was arrested Thursday on a federal charge of production of child pornography, adding to the state child porn charges and obscenity charge he already faces.

ORIGINAL REPORT: HARRIS COUNTY DEPUTY ACCUSED OF FILMING SEX ACT WITH SMALL DOG

Sustaita was relieved of duty Jan. 9 for allegedly posting a video of himself involved in a sex act with a small dog. Investigators confiscated his computer and found more than 200 images involving children, according to court documents. His termination from the department was effective Jan. 25.

"Sex crimes against children are especially heinous, particularly when they are allegedly perpetrated by a member of the Harris County Sheriff's Office," said Sheriff Ed Gonzalez in a statement. "We will continue to devote all necessary resources to ensure those who victimize children are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

If convicted of the federal charge, Sustaita could face up to 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He would also be required to register as a sex offender.

Investigators were originally tipped about obscene material coming from an account owned by Harris County.

Sustaita is expected in federal court Friday.