Houston Park Ranger Faces Additional Charges For Allegedly Targeting Men
According to ABC13, Joey Lamar Ellis, a 33-year-old Houston park ranger, is facing new charges after more victims came forward with allegations of sexual assault and robbery. Ellis, who appeared before a judge on Monday morning, now faces a total of three charges: one count of sexual assault and two counts of official oppression.
“We’re grateful for the courage of the additional victims who came forward,” said Assistant District Attorney Kimberly Smith. “Without their bravery, this would not be possible.”
The allegations first surfaced in June when Ellis allegedly forced Joshua Beede, a man sleeping in his car at Cullen Park, to strip naked. Beede claims Ellis threatened to arrest him if he didn’t give up his cash or remove his clothes, making it known he had a gun in his pocket.
“I was fearful for my life, so I was doing everything he said,” Beede recalled. “He knew what he was doing though. He’s probably done it before.”
According to DA Smith, Ellis has been targeting individuals based on their sexuality. “He’s showing up at these parks where he’s not assigned to work, approaching single males or pairs of males, and coercing them into performing sexual acts or giving him money,” she alleges.
The Houston Parks and Recreation Department has removed Ellis from the work schedule pending the investigation by the Houston Police Department. A judge set Ellis’s total bond at $195,000 and allowed him to live with his family in Louisiana under house arrest.
Authorities believe there may be more victims and urge anyone with information to come forward.
