Digital trail leads to 24-year sentence for Montgomery County child exploitation offender

THE WOODLANDS, TX – On October 29, 2025, in the 435th District Court, Judge Kaycee Jones sentenced Zachary David Johnson, 23, to 24 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice following his conviction on four counts of Possession of Child Pornography, with each six-year sentence to be served consecutively.

The investigation began when Detective Minchew with Montgomery County Precinct 2 Constable’s Office received sixteen cyber tips from media platforms regarding a user storing child sexual abuse material. Through a digital investigation, Detective Minchew traced the accounts to Johnson. While confirming his identity, she initiated an undercover conversation with him, during which Johnson sent four videos of child pornography.

A forensic examination of Johnson’s phone uncovered hundreds of additional images and videos of child sexual abuse material, some depicting victims as young as 18 months old. Investigators also found evidence that Johnson had engaged in sexually explicit conversations with other minors.

Further investigation revealed that Johnson was active in the local sports community and frequently attended athletic events in the area. He often placed himself in environments where young boys were present and used his physical disability to gain sympathy and trust from others.

Johnson pled guilty after jury selection, and the jury proceeded with the punishment phase before sentencing was imposed.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frances Manzo of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Division of the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.

ADA Frances Manzo said, “This case is a reminder that predators can come in many forms, even those who appear vulnerable themselves. This defendant used his medical condition to gain access to children and then exploited that trust. The dedication of our law enforcement partners and our digital forensics team made this outcome possible, and we will continue to fight for every child’s right to be safe.”

District Attorney Michael Holley said, “This defendant’s conduct was predatory and deliberate. He collected hundreds of images and videos of child sexual abuse and used his disability to exploit access to children. These crimes often hide in plain sight, making vigilance from parents, schools, and communities essential. Our office will continue to seek justice for victims and stand with law enforcement to expose those who target children.”