What you need to know
Authorities in Texas have arrested a 40-year-old man described as a local car influencer on suspicion of sexually assaulting a child.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) announced in a Facebook post that deputies were first called to a home in Porter, Texas, on January 16th as part of a child sexual assault investigation. MCSO’s Special Victims Unit (SVU) was immediately called to the scene.
SVU detectives subsequently obtained video evidence depicting the sexual assault of a 2-year-old child. Police identified the suspect as 40-year-old Victor L. Corey Pailette III.
The victim’s mother, who chose not to publish her name to protect her child’s identity, later spoke to local news outlets including ABC13 and KPRC 2. She revealed that she discovered a video of the incident on her boyfriend Payet’s cell phone and reported it to the police.
“I had never accessed his phone before, but his phone was right there and I knew something was wrong,” she told KPRC 2, recalling the moment she discovered the disturbing footage.
“I keep watching that video over and over in my head,” she added to ABC 13. “I literally can’t sleep. I’ve been crying a lot lately.”
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office
MCSO said Payet was arrested and charged with promoting child pornography and aggravated sexual assault of a child, both first-degree felonies. He was booked into the Montgomery County Jail and is being held without bail.
Payet goes by the nickname “Candy Red Bread” on social media platforms such as Instagram. He has more than 62,000 followers and creates videos about customizing cars with Houston-specific modifications.
The victim’s mother told ABC13 that she and her child are reeling from the aftermath of the assault and want to move out of the abusive home. “We can’t go back to that house where the trauma happened,” she said.
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“She’s changed since what happened,” the mother added about her toddler. “She’s been crying a lot lately and we both need therapy. We’re going to try and get help.”
“She’s still a baby. Why would you do this to a baby? How could you do this to her? How could you do this to me?” she questioned.
KPRC 2 later reported that prison officials placed Pailette on “modified security supervision.” This monitoring is used if an inmate attempts or is considered to be at risk of self-harm.
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The sheriff’s office said based on information obtained during the investigation, detectives believe there may be additional victims. Investigators are now asking anyone with information about Payet or related sex crimes to come forward. Tips can be reported to police under incident number 26A017864.
“I just hope everyone comes forward and gets the justice we all deserve,” the child’s mother said.
If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453 or visit www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. Our hotline is available 24/7 in over 170 languages.
If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual abuse, please text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line (741-741). Connect with a certified crisis counselor.
