A court deposition revealed new details in a sting bringing down a former pastor.
James Gorman Houston III was arrested and charged with electronic solicitation of a child and traveling to meet a minor for a sex act after agents with the West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force conducted an operation.
Investigators said Houston made contact with a person on a dating app who he thought was under 16. However, the person was an undercover agent.
Documents state his first communication with the account was, "Hot af," followed by, "I love younger. I want to f*** you."
The messages explained various sex acts and made references to teaching the minor as a father figure.
The two made arrangements to meet in Tuscaloosa County, where investigators say Houston showed up and was taken into custody after exiting his vehicle and walking toward the undercover agent. Police said Houston acknowledged his actions after his arrest.
J. Gorman Houston Deposition by Erica Thomas on Scribd
Houston, 66, pastored First United Methodist Church in Tuscaloosa and Dauphin Way United Methodist in Mobile. He also pastored in Greenville and Prattville. While in Mobile, he was accused of ethics violations but resigned.
His father, J. Gorman Houston, Jr., was an Alabama Supreme Court justice. He passed away in September.
Goeman is considered innocent until proven guilty.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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