Bryan Man Faces Serious Federal Charges
Bryan, Texas has found itself in the midst of a concerning situation as one of its residents, Reuben Waller Boyer III, has been federally indicted on several serious charges. The allegations include distributing child pornography and attempting to coerce a minor into sexual activity. This case comes after an extensive investigation by federal authorities, shedding light on disturbing activities that have come to the surface.
The Indictment Details
Boyer, who was previously arrested in early 2024, is facing three federal counts linked to child pornography and attempts to lure a minor. The indictment, issued by a grand jury in the Southern District of Texas, highlights incidents that stretch back to 2021. From February 19, 2021, to March 3, 2021, Boyer is accused of using various online platforms to distribute explicit images involving minors, crossing state lines in the process. This alleged behavior violates federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(2) and § 2252A(b).
Possession of Illicit Material
The charges don’t stop there. Boyer is also implicated in possessing child pornography, thanks to a search conducted at his home on January 11, 2024. During this search, authorities reportedly discovered a PNY 64 GB USB drive along with a laptop that contained illegal images of minors. The indictment clarifies that these materials were transported across state and national borders through digital means, leading to further federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(5)(B) and § 2252A(b)(2).
Attempted Coercion of a Minor
In addition to distribution and possession, Boyer allegedly attempted to coerce and entice a minor to engage in sexual activities between April 13 and 14, 2021. The court documents refer to the minor in question as Minor Victim #1. Prosecutors claim that Boyer, believing the victim was under 18 years old, used online communication to persuade the minor to take part in illegal sexual performances. This action is a clear violation of both the Texas Penal Code and federal law as stated in 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b).
Seizure of Property
The indictment also includes a forfeiture notice, which allows the government to seize any property linked to the alleged crimes. This includes Boyer’s Apple MacBook, his USB storage device, and an iPhone. If he is convicted of these charges, these items will be subjected to permanent forfeiture under federal law.
Arrest and Current Status
Boyer was arrested early Thursday morning at his residence in Bryan. Local police, in collaboration with the FBI, executed the arrest warrant without incident. Following his arrest, Boyer was booked into the Brazos County Detention Center and later turned over to federal agents. Currently, he is being held at the Houston Federal Detention Center.
Legal Representation and Next Steps
As of now, Boyer is being represented by a federal public defender who made an appearance at a court hearing in Houston on Thursday. His case is scheduled for jury selection and trial on December 16, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. If found guilty, Boyer may face significant prison time and other consequences according to federal sentencing guidelines.
Conclusion
This case is a grave reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding child exploitation and the importance of vigilant enforcement of laws designed to protect minors. As the investigation continues, the community of Bryan watches closely, hopeful for justice and safety in their neighborhood.
