Crime
15-month-old Matheo Vasquez found safe
HOUSTON, TX – After an extensive search and an AMBER Alert issued over the weekend, 15-month-old Matheo Vasquez has been safely found. According to authorities, a family member is now in custody of the child and will be meeting with law enforcement officials.
However, questions remain about Matheo’s whereabouts during the time he was missing, and further details are under investigation.
The AMBER Alert for Matheo was activated after he was last seen on Saturday evening, January 25, around 5:20 p.m., in the 15000 block of Green Stone Drive.
The toddler was reportedly wearing a black sweater and black pants at the time of his disappearance. Matheo is described as being 2 feet tall and weighing approximately 20 pounds.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children initially reported that Matheo was believed to be with 25-year-old Jason Irwin Vasquez, who is now wanted for kidnapping.
Jason Vasquez is described as being 5 feet, 6 inches tall and has a tattoo on his right hand. Authorities believed he was driving a 2016 dark gray GMC Sierra four-door pickup truck with Texas license plate JZY5720.
The exact relationship between Jason Vasquez and Matheo has not been clarified. It has been confirmed, however, that Matheo was not found with Jason Vasquez at the time of his recovery, according to a source close to the investigation.
Authorities are continuing to investigate Matheo’s disappearance and the circumstances surrounding his recovery. Officials have not disclosed how Matheo was located or who facilitated his safe return to family members.
Jason Vasquez remains wanted for questioning and is considered a person of interest in this case. Law enforcement agencies are working diligently to locate him and determine the full scope of events leading to the issuance of the AMBER Alert.
Authorities are urging the public to assist with any information that might help locate Jason Vasquez or shed light on the case. Anyone with relevant details is encouraged to contact the following numbers:
- Harris County Sheriff’s Office: 713-755-7427
- Investigator Benavides: 832-262-5238
- Investigator Quintanilla: 713-262-5193
- Crime Stoppers: 713-222-TIPS (8477)
Community and Law Enforcement Response
The safe recovery of Matheo Vasquez has brought relief to his family and the local community. Law enforcement officials, including the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, have expressed their gratitude to everyone involved in the search efforts.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available regarding the ongoing investigation.
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.