Manvel Sting Nets Seven, Including Former Children's Museum Houston Employee

The Manvel Police Department and the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children task force spent several days last week posing as minors in online conversations. Seven people took the bait. Among them was Louis Anthony "Tony" Salinas, who served as director of media production at Children's Museum Houston before his arrest on charges of online solicitation of a minor.

Manvel Police announced the results on March 31. In an online predator sting, law enforcement creates undercover personas and monitors whether adults initiate or escalate sexual communications with who they believe to be minors; suspects are arrested when investigators determine there is sufficient evidence of criminal intent. Officials said each of the seven suspects believed he was communicating with a minor at the time of arrest, and additional arrests remained pending as of the initial announcement.

Salinas's professional background extended beyond the Children's Museum: he also worked behind the scenes at KHOU. He now faces charges of online solicitation of a minor and related offenses. Under Texas law, prosecutors must demonstrate that a defendant specifically intended to commit a criminal act; convictions carry significant potential prison sentences.

Children's Museum Houston issued a public statement confirming Salinas was no longer employed at the institution at the time of his arrest. The museum said the alleged conduct did not arise from any activity carried out through the organization, that it took immediate action once it became aware of the matter, and that it is cooperating with investigators. The statement referenced existing background-check policies and a commitment to ongoing review of safety protocols, though no specific changes to hiring practices, supervision procedures, or visitor communications were disclosed.

Beyond the arrest itself, the case resurfaces a question many Harris County parents carry: what does child safety look like in practice at institutions their children frequent? Initial background checks at hire are standard at reputable organizations, but safety advocates note that staff policies governing personal device use and social media contact with minors, accessible internal reporting channels, and regular safety audits represent equally important safeguards. Families can ask any youth-facing institution directly what its review process involves and whether it includes independent verification.

Manvel Police asked anyone with information related to the investigation to contact investigators. Court appearances for those arrested, including Salinas, are expected in the coming days.