Houston man charged with transporting a child for commercial sex

HOUSTON — A local man is being held without bond as a flight risk and danger to the community after being charged Wednesday for transporting a minor for a commercial sex act, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson, Southern District of Texas. The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Jason Daniel Gandy, 35, was ordered July 25 to remain in custody pending further criminal proceedings by U.S. Magistrate Judge George C. Hanks Jr.

The complaint indicates Gandy was stopped by immigration officers in the United Kingdom after he and a minor male child arrived in London on a flight originating in Houston. According to the complaint, London officials suspected something was amiss with a 35-year-old man traveling with an unrelated 15-year-old boy. Both individuals were returned to Houston on separate flights.

Upon arrival in Houston, they were met by HSI special agents. The investigation revealed that Gandy allegedly runs a massage business out of his home and he was using the 15-year-old boy to give massages. The individuals paying for the massages were allegedly allowed to fondle the child during the massage and the child was required to sexually gratify the customers, according to evidence presented in court.

The trip to London and the passport fees for the child were paid for by Gandy, who intended to perform massages in London, according to the information presented in court. The investigation also revealed Gandy molested the child on more than one occasion, and he intended to continue.

Gandy faces a minimum of 10 years imprisonment and up to life, as well as a maximum fine of $250,000. After he completes any prison term imposed, Gandy also faces a maximum lifetime term of supervised release.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri L. Zack, Southern District of Texas, is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law.

This investigation was part of Operation Predator, a nationwide HSI initiative to protect children from sexual predators, including those who travel overseas for sex with minors, Internet child pornographers, criminal alien sex offenders and child sex traffickers. HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-DHS-2ICE or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators.

Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, at 1-800-843-5678 or http://www.cybertipline.com.