HOUSTON – A Houston firefighter with 22 years on the job was arrested on a child grooming charge after a grand jury in Austin County formally indicted him.
Jason Gaines, 46, faces a felony child grooming charge following an investigation by Bellville Police. KPRC 2 News reporter Corley Peel obtained new court records with details about the case.
Recommended Videos
Bellville Police say the investigation began in January after receiving a call about Gaines attempting to have inappropriate conversations through social media apps with underage children. During the investigation, police say more juveniles came forward with information alleging that Gaines was sending them sexually suggestive messages.
A grand jury formally charged Gaines with child grooming last week. Child grooming is a serious felony under Texas law.
Sources tell KPRC 2 news that Austin County Sheriff’s deputies and U.S. Marshals arrested Gaines at Houston Fire Station 90, where he has worked for more than two decades.
The Houston Fire Department says it is aware of Gaines’ arrest. He has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.
The Bellville Volunteer Fire Department also confirmed that Gaines served as a volunteer firefighter with their department. The fire chief says Gaines is suspended from that role as well amid the ongoing investigation.
Records show Gaines was released from the Austin County Jail on a $30,000 bond.
KPRC 2 News will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
Bellville Police provided the following statement:
In January of 2026 the Bellville Police Department received a call in regard to an adult male attempting to have inappropriate conversations through social media apps with juveniles. While investigating this matter, more juveniles came forward with information alleging that Jason Gaines was sending them sexually suggestive messages. After a thorough investigation the case was presented to the Austin County D.A., and Austin County Grand Jury. The Austin County Grand Jury returned an indictment against Gaines in Cause No. 2026R-0077 for Child Grooming, a third-degree felony under Texas Penal Code 15.032. The warrant was issued for Jason Gaines on May 27, 2026 pursuant to the indictment. Jason Gaines was arrested on May 28, 2026 with assistance from the United States Marshalls Service.
Bellville Volunteer Fire Department also posted the following press release following Gaines’ arrest.
The Bellville Volunteer Fire Department is aware of the recent arrest of one of its volunteer firefighters by law enforcement authorities.
Upon learning of the arrest, the department immediately initiated its standard review process. The individual has been suspended from all department duties pending the outcome of the legal proceedings and any internal review by department leadership.
The Bellville Volunteer Fire Department takes its responsibility to the community seriously and remains committed to maintaining the trust and confidence of the citizens we serve. While the department recognizes that all individuals are entitled to due process under the law, we also hold our members to high standards of conduct and professionalism.
Because this is an active legal matter, the department will not comment on specific allegations or details of the case. Any questions regarding the criminal investigation should be directed to the appropriate law enforcement agency. The Bellville Volunteer Fire Department remains focused on its mission of protecting lives and property and will continue providing emergency services to the community without interruption.