Information provided by a tipster has led to the arrest of a convicted child sex trafficker and a Texas 10 Most Wanted fugitive in Houston.
Justin Ramon Statum, a 27-year-old documented Bloods gang member, was taken into custody on March 26 at a motel on Houston’s north side, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced Monday. A Texas Crime Stoppers reward will be paid for the tip that led to his capture, according to state officials.
DPS Criminal Investigations Division special agents from the Texas Anti-Gang Center’s Violent Crimes Unit in Houston, Texas Highway Patrol troopers, and U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Fugitive Task Force members made the arrest in Harris County.
Statum was convicted in September 2021 of compelling prostitution of a person younger than 18 and trafficking a child to engage in sexual conduct involving a 14-year-old girl and a 16-year-old girl. He received a six-year prison sentence from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and was discharged in January 2025. He must register as a sex offender annually for life.
Statum also had prior charges of theft from a person, unlawful carrying of a weapon, credit card or debit card abuse, and possession of marijuana.
Harris County issued an arrest warrant for Statum in October 2025 on an aggravated robbery charge involving a handgun. More details on his capture appear here.
The Governor’s Public Safety Office funds Texas Crime Stoppers, which pays cash rewards for tips leading to arrests of Texas 10 Most Wanted fugitives, sex offenders, or criminal illegal immigrants.
In 2026 so far, DPS and partner agencies have arrested 17 such fugitives — including 12 sex offenders and three gang members — with $34,500 paid in rewards.
Tipsters qualify for rewards by calling 1-800-252-TIPS (8477), submitting information via the DPS website, or using the Facebook tip link. All submissions remain anonymous, with tipsters receiving a number rather than providing a name.
DPS works with local law enforcement to compile the current lists, available with photos on the DPS website. Authorities warn that these fugitives are armed and dangerous; the public should not attempt to apprehend them.