HOUSTON – Editor’s note: The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo says Downing is no longer an employee at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo as of May 2024. The HLSR did not detail if Downing was terminated or resigned from his position.
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The former general counsel of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo appeared in court Thursday relating to an arrest for engaging in sexual activity with a minor in May of 2024.
Jeffrey Neil Downing, 46, is facing charges for online solicitation of a minor.
OUR PREVIOUS REPORT: General counsel for Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo accused of online solicitation of minor
After being granted bond at $50,000 in 2024, court documents indicated that Downing’s bond was revoked due to an undisclosed violation. He was given a new bond of $80,000, which he paid on March 27, 2025.
In Thursday’s court appearance, Downing did not speak. On Friday, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office announced that Downing did not accept the plea that was offered.
His trial date is set for Dec. 12, 2025.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Downing, who is also a Houston attorney, began communication with a Harris County Pct. 1 undercover deputy constable in April, investigators said. The undercover deputy constable posed as a 15-year-old girl.
During the exchange, investigators say Downing engaged in explicit online communications, discussed engaging in sexual activity, requested sexual images, and also sent images of male genitalia to the person he believed was a minor.
According to a Q&A interview with Texas Law Book, Downing joined HLSR in Oct. 2022 and managed all logistics for the annual event. He also reportedly served as a HLSR volunteer on the Gatekeepers Committee from 2008 to 2012.
A statement on behalf of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was sent to KPRC 2 after the arrest was announcing once they learned about the serious allegations, he was placed on administrative leave.
In an updated statement, HLSR says Downing is no longer an employee at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo as of May 2024.