GRAYSON COUNTY, Texas — Three North Texas firefighters have been arrested on child sex crime charges following an investigation led by the Texas Rangers, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The investigation began after Howe Police requested assistance from the Texas Rangers regarding allegations of inappropriate conduct involving members of the Howe Volunteer Fire Department.
Following the investigation, authorities arrested David Perez and Dalton McCaslin, each charged with three counts of sexual assault of a child. Joshua Ryals was arrested on two counts of indecency with a child by sexual contact. All three were booked into the Grayson County Jail on Thursday.
According to the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, Perez most recently worked for the Irving Fire Department, in Irving, TX, and also served as a volunteer with the Howe Volunteer Fire Department. He previously worked for a brief period with the Van Alstyne Fire Department.
McCaslin most recently worked for the Allen Fire Department and previously served as a volunteer with the Howe Volunteer Fire Department and Prosper Fire Department.
Ryals most recently worked for the Melissa Fire Department and previously worked for the Paris Fire Department and Van Alstyne Fire Department.
Local municipalities released statements addressing the arrests and their involvement.
“The City of Howe is aware of recent events related to Howe Volunteer Fire Department,” said Howe Director of Public Safety Jake Sullivan. “Upon learning of the allegations, there was immediate attention and response… The City of Howe and Howe Police Department have cooperated with an ongoing investigation by the Texas Rangers.”
The City of Van Alstyne confirmed that two of the individuals had previously been associated with its fire department but had resigned more than a year prior to the arrests.
“The City reiterates its condemnation of any actions that harm children and confirms its ongoing commitment to promote public safety and protect its citizens,” the city said in a statement.
The City of Melissa also confirmed that Ryals was a former employee who resigned prior to his arrest.
“The City of Melissa takes the safety and well-being of minors seriously and remains committed to maintaining the trust of the community it serves,” the statement read.
Officials noted the investigation remains ongoing, and due to the nature of the case, additional details have not been released.
