NEW CANEY, TX – Authorities in Montgomery County have arrested two men accused of using social media to lure and sexually assault two teenage girls. The incident has sparked renewed warnings from officials and experts about the potential dangers lurking online.
According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the troubling case began on Snapchat, where 19-year-old Darvell Reginald Allen and 20-year-old Abdul Salem, both from Kingwood, allegedly communicated with two 15-year-old girls. This interaction led to a meeting at a parking lot near New Caney ISD’s Randall Reed Football Stadium, where the assaults are said to have occurred.
The sheriff’s office reported that the men threatened the teens with a firearm before assaulting them in a vehicle. Both suspects have been charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child.
Rania Manarios, CEO of Crime Stoppers of Houston, emphasized the importance of educating children about safe internet use. She noted that such discussions should begin as early as age five or six to make children more comfortable with technology and aware of potential dangers.
Manarios stressed that online contacts should not be trusted blindly, regardless of how long communication has occurred. “When strangers or adults ask to meet in person, it’s a major red flag,” she said, urging parents to instill healthy instincts in their children.
The sheriff’s office has not disclosed how long the suspects and victims communicated online or why the stadium was chosen as the meeting place. New Caney ISD confirmed its awareness of the investigation and pledged full cooperation, though the district declined further comment due to the ongoing nature of the case.
Crime Stoppers of Houston offers resources for parents to facilitate discussions about internet safety. These tools are crucial in empowering children to make informed decisions when navigating the digital world.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with social media, highlighting the need for vigilance and education to protect young users.