ABC13 first broke the story of the arrest of Sgt. John Black earlier this week. He is accused of online solicitation of a minor out of Leon County, Florida.
He is now facing similar charges in federal court following his initial arrest.
For decades, Black served in law enforcement, but this week he appeared in state district court wearing an orange jail jumpsuit. Then on Thursday, Black appeared in federal court, where he was seen in shackles and handcuffs - a stark contrast to his current status as a county employee. According to court records, Black technically remains on the Harris County payroll.
Federal documents detail explicit online messages Black allegedly exchanged with an undercover officer who was posing as a 13-year-old girl.
Authorities allege he initiated direct messages with the undercover officer and continued communicating after being told the individual was underage.
According to court documents, the conversation began on Jan. 12, when Black allegedly asked the undercover officer's age.
"How old are you?" Black said.
The undercover officer replied with a 13 smiling face emojii
"Oh wow lol," Black said.
"I'm 46," Black said.
"More than three times your age lol," Black said.
"Not gonna lie though. From what I can see, you look pretty hot," Black said.
The following day, among many messages, the two talked about visiting each other, and Black allegedly sent nude photos and videos of himself, including one where he was allegedly masturbating, according to court documents.
"R u embarrassed of me?" undercover officer said.
"Lol no," Black said.
"13-year-olds walking into a 46-year-old's house looks suspicious though ," Black said with a text of a tongue sticking out emoji.
Investigators say the case originated in Leon County, Florida. Authorities there allege Black communicated in a similar manner with two other underage girls.
Black will remain in federal custody until at least next Tuesday, when a judge is scheduled to consider whether he could be released pending trial.
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