Fort Worth, Texas – Michael Downs, a 71-year-old man from Fort Worth, Texas, has been handed a substantial prison sentence for his heinous crimes involving the se-ual abuse of a minor.
The case, which has shocked and appalled the community, came to a conclusion yesterday when U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Leigha Simonton, announced that Michael Downs was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison. Downs, a retired chaplain from Cook Children’s Hospital, faced charges of se-ual exploitation of children. In July 2023, he pleaded guilty to two counts, leading to his sentencing by U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman. In addition to the prison term, Downs was ordered to undergo a lifetime of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Simonton emphasized the gravity of the case, stating, “This is an incredibly important case involving shocking and abhorrent conduct.” The case was given high priority, with veteran prosecutors and partnerships between Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Fort Worth Police Department ensuring that Downs was brought to justice. The U.S. Attorney’s stern message to others involved in similar crimes was clear: the justice system will act decisively to protect children from such predators.
HSI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Lester R. Hayes Jr. also weighed in, highlighting the betrayal of public trust by Downs and the stern accountability that followed. The successful prosecution was attributed to the strong collaboration between HSI and the Fort Worth Police Department.
The investigation into Downs’ criminal activities began on January 22, 2023, following a report from a seventeen-year-old minor who disclosed to her aunt that she had been se-ually abused by Downs. She also revealed that he had recorded the abuse on an iPad.
Law enforcement officials received several electronic devices from Downs’ wife, including a hard drive that contained numerous videos and photos of Downs engaging in se-ually explicit conduct with the minor. The comprehensive investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Fort Worth Police Department led to conclusive evidence against Downs.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aisha Saleem prosecuted the case, ensuring that justice was served in this disturbing matter. The case stands as a grim reminder of the urgency and necessity of protecting minors from se-ual exploitation and abuse.
