Harris County man accused of sexually abusing girls in Montgomery County and other Texas counties, authorities say

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A 35-year-old man was arrested after being accused of sexually abusing several underage girls, authorities said.

On Wednesday, the Montgomery County Third District Sheriff's Office issued a press release identifying the suspect as Hernan Duarte of Harris County.

Authorities said the outcry originated from a victim who was interviewed at Children's Safe Harbor in Conroe. During an investigation, it was revealed that Duarte was meeting girls in The Woodlands and other counties in Texas, authorities said. Investigators also learned that Duarte was using social media to contact underage girls, drive to them and have sexual encounters with them.

According to police, all victims were under 15 years old.

When a detective from the Third Precinct learned of this, he posed as the victim online and arranged to meet Duarte at a park in The Woodlands.

Upon arrival, Duarte was taken into custody. He was booked into the Montgomery County Jail on three counts of sexual abuse of a child and one count of indecent conduct with a child, but he faces additional charges.

Although Duarte was arrested, authorities believe he may have had additional victims whose identities have not yet been determined. Authorities are asking the public with any information regarding Duarte to contact the Montgomery County 3rd District Sheriff's Office at 281-364-4211.