Registered sex offender walks past security by flashing old badge, court records show

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Court records show a Humble man told deputies he was an officer and even showed identification to get past what's supposed to be a tight security system for those on probation.

Harris County deputies say the man was lying.

"These types of cases are very important to law enforcement because it can hurt our credibility," Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen said.

Documents show Justin Mattox was convicted last month of failing to register as a sex offender and given probation.

But, when Mattox showed up to meet with his probation officer last week, court records show he allegedly bypassed security, flashing a gold badge and identifying himself to multiple deputies as an active peace officer.

"He went upstairs and it just didn't sit well with our screening personnel, so they notified a law enforcement officer who then went upstairs to confront them," Constable Rosen said.

Court records show Mattox had presented a badge for the Special Police Constable for the State of Ohio.

ABC13 called over there, and a captain told us Mattox had been terminated in June.

The captain wouldn't explain what the group does or why Mattox was terminated, but it appears to be a security firm available for hire, according to the group's website.

"When somebody is flashing a law enforcement credential, there's a certain level of responsibility," Constable Rosen said.

The Constable said Precinct 1 security guards serve 2 million people every year at Harris County's courthouse complex.

According to the agency, security guards have seized 66,205 weapons so far this year. About 13,809 weapons were blades, and 20 were firearms, according to Precinct 1.

In this case, records show Mattox didn't bring in any contraband when he allegedly bypassed security.

A relief, the constable said, but still a major security concern.

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