Police said the investigation into the 38-year-old man began after a missionary couple reported finding a spy camera inside their mobile home.
GRAPEVINE, Texas — A Grapevine deputy has been arrested by police on suspicion of possessing child pornography and using a spy camera in his home, officials said.
Arturo Alarcón, 38, an associate pastor at 121 Community Church in Grapevine, was charged with possession of child pornography and invasive video recording, police said.
Police said the investigation began after a missionary couple reported finding a spy camera inside a mobile home used by the church to house families in need.
The family staying there found two alarm clocks and two electrical outlets labeled “Bug Control” with hidden cameras inside, according to an arrest affidavit. The church’s other associate pastor, Elvis Gallegos, told police that the items were not provided by the church and that he did not know who put them there or how long they had been there. It is said that he spoke.
According to the affidavit, the husband, who was inside the home, kept hearing strange noises coming from the clock in the bedroom, so he turned it off. As an engineer, he took a closer look at the watch and noticed that there was something that looked like a camera inside. He searched Amazon and was able to find the same watch, which turned out to be a spy camera.
When asked who had access to the house, his wife, who was staying there, told police that only Alarcón, the pest control officer, and possibly one other minister were allowed inside, according to the affidavit. He said he had a .
After examining the camera, the husband noticed a clicking sound when he pressed the record button, according to the affidavit. That’s when he realized he was being recorded, he said.
Police contacted Alarcón, who detailed the affidavit, and told police he knew about the items in the trailer, but that they were donated and not purchased by him. gave a statement.
Police searched Alarcon’s cell phone and found photos from a spy camera placed on a minor relative in Alarcon’s bedroom, according to the affidavit. While searching his phone, he also found a photo of a girl around five years old standing in front of an erect penis.
The affidavit details that detectives sent the phone to the Secret Service in order to unlock a second user account on Alarcón’s phone, which was encrypted. When questioned by police, Alarcón reportedly stated that he did not install the device and that he did not know who had installed it.
When shown pictures of child pornography, Alarcon said he had never seen them before, the affidavit states.
In addition to his work as an associate minister, Alarcon volunteered with the Grapevine Community Outreach Center and its after-school program and was a substitute teacher in the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, police said.
Grapevine ISD released the following statement to families and staff.
“Unfortunately, we have to share with you the following information from the Grapevine Police Department: Mr. Arturo Alarcon previously worked as a substitute teacher at Timberline Elementary School, and the District Upon notification, his status as a substitute teacher was immediately terminated.”
The school district remains in close contact with the Grapevine Police Department and will provide further information to the community if there is evidence that reveals further ties to the school district. ”
Police are currently analyzing several electronic devices belonging to Alarcon, but say there is no evidence of further crimes at this time.
WFAA reached out to 121 Community Church for comment, which responded in a statement Friday.
It is with great sadness that we must inform you that Arturo Alarcón has been arrested on charges of possession of child pornography and invasive video recording. Mr. Alarcón previously served as a staff pastor and we have terminated his employment with the church.
We received a report of a suspicious device and immediately called the Grapevine Police Department. As a result of the investigation, Mr. Alarcón was determined to be a person of interest. Following this notification, we placed Mr. Alarcón on administrative leave pending an investigation. According to a Grapevine Police Department report, investigating detectives discovered child pornography photos downloaded to his personal device, which was unrelated to our initial report.
The Grapevine Police Department subsequently arrested and charged Mr. Alarcón, and we terminated his employment. The Grapevine Police Department said the investigation is ongoing and there is no evidence of further crime. We have been in contact with the Grapevine Police Department and will continue to cooperate with the investigation.
There is currently no indication from police or other sources that local children are involved in the alleged acts.
