Introduction to a Serious Crime
A La Porte man, Ryan Rhett Cooper, aged 39, has been arrested and charged with possession of child pornography. Following his initial arrest in February, additional charges have been brought against him after a woman came forward alleging she was victimized by him 13 years ago.
The Initial Arrest and Charges
Cooper’s bond is set at $200,000, and he is scheduled to appear in court. The initial arrest was made after a cyber tip revealed more than 20 child porn files on the social media platform KIK. Upon executing a search warrant at Cooper’s home in December 2024, he admitted to having engaged in sexual contact with a child under the age of 17 when he was an adult.
Admission of Past Misconduct
According to court records, Cooper claimed the child told him they were 18 at the time, but he later learned the child was actually 16. This incident allegedly occurred in 2012 when Cooper was in his mid-twenties. He stated that he had not spoken to the child since then.
New Allegations Surface
After Cooper’s arrest on child porn possession charges, individuals commented on social media posts about his arrest. Detectives received a call from an unknown witness who mentioned a comment from someone on social media claiming to be "one of his first victims." The detectives followed up on this lead and identified the woman, now 27 years old and living in Oklahoma.
Details of the New Allegations
The woman alleged that she met Cooper online in 2011 when she was 13 years old and living in Houston. In the fall of 2012, when she was 14, Cooper picked her up from her home and engaged in sexual activity with her in his vehicle and later in a nearby park. This was the last time they saw each other until she was 17 years old. The woman stated that she had immediately told Cooper her age when they first met, and he was 26 years old at the time.
Conclusion
The case against Ryan Rhett Cooper highlights the importance of taking allegations of child abuse and possession of child pornography seriously. The fact that a victim felt empowered to come forward 13 years after the alleged abuse demonstrates the long-lasting impact of such crimes and the need for ongoing vigilance and support for victims. As the legal process unfolds, it is crucial to remember the bravery of those who come forward and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
