HOUSTON – A 73-year-old stockbroker is facing three first-degree felony charges following a months-long child exploitation investigation led by the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office.
Investigators say they uncovered hundreds of explicit images involving children on the suspect’s computer. Authorities arrested Joe Farmham Moore Jr. at his workplace earlier Friday.
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Arrest captured on video
The arrest marks the culmination of an investigation that began in January and was conducted by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
According to officials, deputies took Moore into custody at his job without incident.
Hundreds of images discovered
Authorities allege that Moore downloaded and possessed hundreds of child sexual abuse images and videos. He has been charged with three counts of possession of child pornography, each classified as a first-degree felony. Investigators say each count is tied to separate videos depicting children being sexually abused.
Constable Alan Rosen described the material as “horrific,” saying the content showed children being abused while pleading for it to stop.
“These are evidence-intensive cases,” Rosen said, noting that digital forensic investigations often take months to complete. “But once you have the evidence, they’re very difficult for someone to claim it wasn’t them.”
Ongoing search for possible victims
At this time, investigators say they have not identified any known local victims connected to Moore. However, authorities continue to review digital evidence and are urging the public to come forward with any information.
Rosen emphasized that suspects in these cases come from all backgrounds.
“We have arrested people that are lawyers, doctors, preachers — from all walks of life,” he said. “If anybody sees his image and, God forbid, he came in contact inappropriately with a child, we want to hear from you.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Precinct 1 Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force at 713-222-4929.
Potential penalties
Each first-degree felony charge carries the possibility of a life sentence.
Moore is currently employed as a stockbroker at Herald and Lantern. The firm confirmed he remains employed as of today (2/27/2026) and declined to comment on the charges.
The investigation remains ongoing.