Investigators say an 18-year-old University of Houston student used a fake Snapchat identity before sharing a private video with others.
HARRIS COUNTY, TX — An 18-year-old Cypress man faces a felony charge after Harris County investigators said he posed as a woman on Snapchat, obtained an intimate video from another 18-year-old man and later shared the recording with other people.
Tyler Burrel was charged with unlawful disclosure of intimate visual material following an investigation by the Harris County Constable Precinct 5 High Tech Crimes Unit. Authorities said Burrel, a University of Houston student, was arrested on campus after investigators traced digital evidence connected to the case. He has since posted bond and is no longer in custody.
Investigators said Burrel created a Snapchat account that appeared to belong to a woman and communicated with the victim for months. FOX 26 reported that investigators described the online contact as lasting about six months and said Burrel and the victim had previously known each other from high school. Authorities allege the victim did not know Burrel was behind the account when he sent an intimate video.
According to investigators, Burrel recorded or retained the video and later shared it with other people. ABC13 reported that investigators said the material was shown during a FaceTime call. During a court hearing, Harris County Magistrate Judge Patrick Joseph said three other people had viewed recordings connected to the case and that the disclosure caused embarrassment to the complaining witness.
The investigation may extend beyond the single victim currently identified. Deputies said they found intimate images or videos involving more than one man while examining electronic devices and account information connected to Burrel. Precinct 5 investigators said those findings have led them to believe there could be additional victims, although authorities had publicly identified only one as of Thursday.
Texas law makes unlawful disclosure or promotion of intimate visual material a state jail felony. The law generally applies when intimate material is disclosed without the depicted person’s effective consent, under circumstances in which the person had a reasonable expectation that the material would remain private, and when other required elements of the offense are met. The statute also says voluntarily sending intimate material to another person does not by itself provide a defense to an unlawful-disclosure charge.
Precinct 5 Detective Carlos Sandoval, identified by FOX 26 as the lead investigator, said investigators used digital information and cooperation between agencies to identify a suspect. The case was handled by the constable’s High Tech Crimes Unit, which investigates offenses involving electronic devices and online activity.
Court-record information cited by FOX 26 showed Burrel posted a $20,000 bond after his arrest. He is scheduled to appear in a Harris County courtroom Nov. 10. The charge remains an allegation, and the available reports did not indicate that Burrel had entered a plea. ABC13 said it attempted to contact Burrel through his attorney but did not obtain a response.
Precinct 5 investigators are continuing to determine whether other people were affected. Deputies have asked anyone who believes they may be connected to the investigation or has information about the case to contact the Harris County Constable Precinct 5 office.
Author note: Last updated October 8, 2026.