TRINITY — A Trinity man was arrested July 1 for the alleged molestation of a child less than 14 years old.
Brandon Daniel Furman, 53, is facing a first-degree felony charge of aggravated sexual assault of a child in connection with the assaults, which was said to have occurred over a short period of time this year.
According to Precinct 2 Constable Mark Cole, the Trinity County Sheriff's Office was alerted by the victim of the assault on July 1, and the Sheriff’s Office too immediate action.
Because Furman was a county employee, they turned to Cole to take lead on the investigation because of a potential conflict of interest.
Furman was immediately removed from duty and placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation; Cole said that in a joint effort between himself and the Sheriff's Office, there was enough probable cause for an arrest warrant to be issued, which was done by Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Mary Wallace.
Furman was taken into custody is currently being held at the San Jacinto County Jail. Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
First-degree felony charges are punishable by up to 99 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
Sheriff Woody Wallace said that Furman’s arrest may cause a slight disruption in animal control, but that his office is working with a county nonprofit agency to continue efforts to address the pet control problem.
Currently, the Sheriff’s Office will still handle calls related to aggressive or dangerous dogs and stray dogs as call volume allows and as priority dictates. In the future, Wallace said that he also is working with the councils for Trinity and Groveton to fund a full-time position.
If you are interested in assisting with adoption, fostering, or working full or part time please contact the Sheriff’s Office at (936) 642-1424.
