TERRELL, Texas (Terrell Police Department) — On Tuesday, July 21, 2015, Terrell Police arrested a man during a police interview after incriminating admissions were made regarding the improper photography of several male teenagers in his home.
TERRELL, Texas (Terrell Police Department) — On Tuesday, July 21, 2015, Terrell Police arrested a man during a police interview after incriminating admissions were made regarding the improper photography of several male teenagers in his home.
Joseph Jeffrey Babineaux, Jr, 27, of Terrell, TX was taken to the Terrell Municipal Holding Facility where he was charged with one count of Improper Photography or Visual Recording, a State Jail Felony.
The Terrell Police received information in the early morning hours of July 21st that Babineaux had possibly videotaped several teenage boys in his home with a hidden camera. Two of the boys lived in the home where Babineaux was living at that time. A third boy was a friend who was in the home with the other two victims when the offense occurred.
Police discovered Babineaux was a volunteer with the North Texas Longhorns Track Club, a privately operated volunteer organization that attempts to involve youth in summer track activities. The Terrell Police immediately conferred with officials of the track club and received their full cooperation. The investigation revealed very limited and controlled contact with a small group of track team members and police do not suspect Babineaux offended against any of these members. In an abundance of caution, Terrell Police Investigators spent several days tracking down and informing track team parents of this small group. Babineaux has been officially removed from this volunteer program. No additional offenses have been reported or discovered by police.
The Terrell Police also reached out to Terrell ISD officials and confirmed that neither Babineaux or the North Texas Longhorns Track Club have any affiliation with the district or its athletic programs. Additionally, the club is not affiliated with any City of Terrell programs.
During the investigation police also learned that Babineaux was employed at Terrell State Hospital in an adolescent facility. Terrell Police notified the Office of the Inspector General, who investigates matters involving Terrell State Hospital, regarding the arrest and charge. Terrell Police have been informed that Babineaux resigned his position with Terrell State Hospital after his arrest. No offenses have been reported or discovered to have occurred at Terrell State Hospital.
The Terrell Police began an intense investigation as soon as information was received. Investigators do not believe there are any victims than those identified in the home. Police have executed several search warrants and seized several items of electronic evidence in the case. The Terrell Police anticipate filing additional charges subsequent to the examination of this electronic evidence.
Babineaux was transferred to the Kaufman County Law Enforcement Center on Wednesday, July 22, 2015. He is currently out on bond. He no longer lives at the home where these offenses occurred.
If anyone has information related to this case, they are encouraged to contact Det. B. Stephens of the Terrell Police Department at (972) 551-6622.
Persons with information concerning a crime are encouraged to provide information by calling Kaufman County Crime Stoppers at 877-TIPSKCC (847-7522) or click on “Crime of the Week” at the Kaufman County Crime Stoppers website at http://kaufmancountycrimestoppers.org/.
