NEAR MAGNOLIA, Texas -- A Montgomery County man was arrested for allegedly making videotapes of teenagers performing sexual acts, News2Houston reported Thursday.
Marcus Cherry, Jr., 58, is charged with one count of sexual performance of a child.
He was arrested at his home in Magnolia, where he allegedly videotaped two girls and one boy, ages 13 and 14, having sex with each other.
"I cannot imagine any grandfather, any grown man, subjecting children to this," Montgomery County Precinct 5 Constable David Hill said. "He gave them gifts, shirts, necklaces, various and sundry gifts we've been able to ascertain and gain their confidence."
Investigators said Cherry met young people in his neighborhood or at local schools, then lured them to his home and gave them gifts and alcohol. He would encourage them to perform sexual acts with each other while he videotaped it, officials said.
The allegations came to light Tuesday when a parent informed an officer who works at a victim's school.
"They're embarrassed. They do regret what they've done. They understand that they can't take it back, but they all said that they thought he was just a friend, you know, and they trusted him," said Charlotte Hamm, a Montgomery County Precinct 5 officer.
Investigators said Cherry told them he never touched the young people.
Some neighbors were not surprised at the allegations.
"He was too friendly with the kids, right off," said Barbara Fletcher, a neighbor. "I didn't want him talking to my kids because he was way too friendly with ... he had too many teenage girls at his house, which was not, to be an older gentleman, that is not right."
Officials believe there may be more victims.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Precinct 5 Constable's Office at (281) 356-3883 or (936) 539-7807.
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