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.<\/p>\n
Justin Ramon Statum, a 27-year-old documented Bloods gang member, was taken into custody on March 26 at a motel on Houston\u2019s 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<\/a> to state officials.<\/p>\n DPS Criminal Investigations Division special agents from the Texas Anti-Gang Center\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Statum also had prior charges<\/a> of theft from a person, unlawful carrying of a weapon, credit card or debit card abuse, and possession of marijuana.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Governor\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n In 2026 so far, DPS and partner agencies have arrested 17 such fugitives \u2014 including 12 sex offenders and three gang members \u2014 with $34,500 paid in rewards.<\/p>\n Tipsters qualify for rewards by calling 1-800-252-TIPS (8477), submitting information via the DPS website<\/a>, or using the Facebook tip link<\/a>. All submissions remain anonymous, with tipsters receiving a number rather than providing a name.<\/p>\n