Digital Trail leads to 24-Year Sentence for Montgomery County Child Exploitation Offender

Zachary David Johnson, 23, was sentenced on October 29, 2025, to 24 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for four counts of Possession of Child Pornography. The investigation began when Detective Minchew received cyber tips regarding Johnson's online activities, leading to an undercover conversation where he shared explicit videos. A forensic examination of his phone revealed hundreds of images depicting child sexual abuse, with some victims as young as 18 months old. Johnson’s involvement in the local sports community allowed him to exploit his physical disability to gain access to children. District Attorney Michael Holley condemned Johnson's predatory actions, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance.

Assistant District Attorney Frances Manzo reiterated that predators often appear vulnerable and exploit trust. The case underscores the need for ongoing efforts to protect children from exploitation. Authorities will continue to collaborate with law enforcement to prosecute offenders and safeguard potential victims.