HFD said firefighter Ethen Garcia was relieved of duty with pay after charges involving a minor. The case is under investigation by HFD and HPD.

HOUSTON — A Houston firefighter is off the job and under investigation after being charged with crimes involving an underage victim, according to the Houston Fire Department.


Firefighter relieved of duty

Houston Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz said firefighter Ethen Garcia, 31, has been relieved of duty with pay under department policy while the case plays out.

Garcia has worked in emergency operations since joining HFD in June 2021, and his most recent assignment was at Station 26, according to the department.


Department condemns allegations

In a statement, Muñoz said the department is taking the case seriously and stressed that the allegations do not represent the rest of the force.

“HFD takes these disturbing allegations very seriously, and this kind of behavior does not reflect the 4,000 men and women of this Department,” Muñoz said. “If proven to be true, a person who commits these acts has no place in the Houston Fire Department.”

The department’s Professional Standards Office and the Houston Police Department are both investigating, the chief said.


Criminal charges and court status

Officials said Garcia is charged with online solicitation of a minor and solicitation of prostitution of a person younger than 18.

Garcia posted a $60,000 bond and is due back in court Tuesday, Jan. 20, records show.


Department statement

Here’s Muñoz’s full statement:

“Ethen Garcia is relieved of duty with pay, in accordance with HFD policy. The case remains an active investigation, both by our Professional Standards Office and the Houston Police Department. HFD takes these disturbing allegations very seriously, and this kind of behavior does not reflect the 4,000 men and women of this Department. If proven to be true, a person who commits these acts has no place in the Houston Fire Department.”

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