Ovilla, Texas – Investigators with the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 78-year-old Ovilla man Wednesday following an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation that led deputies to execute a search and arrest warrant at a home in the 100 block of Claremont Drive.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the operation took place November 19 and stemmed from Ellis County’s ongoing partnership with the North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Investigators identified the suspect, James Leslie Bellamy, as a person actively downloading and distributing child sexual abuse material.
Bellamy was taken into custody on a charge of Possession with Intent to Promote Child Pornography, a first-degree felony. He was booked into the Wayne McCollum Detention Facility, where he was arraigned and issued a bond in accordance with state law.
Sheriff Brad Norman praised investigators for their work, noting that cases involving the exploitation of children are among the most serious handled by the agency.
“Our Office remains fully committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community,” Norman said.
Officials stated that no additional details will be released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.
