BELLVILLE — Jason Gaines was arrested on May 28, 2026, on a charge of child grooming, a third-degree felony under Texas Penal Code 15.032, following an investigation by the Bellville Police Department. An arrest warrant had been issued the previous day after an Austin County grand jury returned an indictment against him.
The Bellville Police Department began investigating Gaines in January 2026 after receiving a report that an adult man was allegedly attempting to have inappropriate conversations with juveniles through social media apps. During the investigation, additional juveniles came forward and alleged that Gaines had sent them sexually suggestive messages. The case was subsequently presented to the Austin County District Attorney's Office and a grand jury.
Gaines was arrested at Houston Fire Department Station 90 with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. He was booked into the Austin County Jail and later released on a $30,000 bond.
Gaines is a Houston firefighter with 22 years and five months of service. The Houston Fire Department suspended him with pay pending the outcome of the investigation. He also served as a volunteer firefighter with the Bellville Volunteer Fire Department, which confirmed his affiliation and announced it had suspended him from all department duties pending the outcome of the legal proceedings and any internal review.
The Bellville Volunteer Fire Department stated it takes its responsibility to the community seriously and remains committed to maintaining public trust. The department added it will not comment on specific allegations or details of the case because it is an active legal matter.