TEXARKANA, TX — A 59-year-old local man remains in custody at the Bi-State Jail following an intensive investigation into the long-term abuse and grooming of a 10-year-old child. Jimmy Hooper was arrested on April 17, 2026, just 48 hours after authorities were first alerted to the allegations.
Hooper faces a total of seven felony counts, including Child Grooming and six counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child.
Escalation of Abuse
The investigation, led by Detective Tabitha Smith, revealed a disturbing pattern of behavior spanning 2023 and 2024. According to investigators, the abuse followed a systematic grooming process. Detective Smith noted that the suspect initially exposed the victim to inappropriate digital material, a tactic often used to desensitize children before escalating to repeated physical acts of sexual assault.
Rapid Arrest and High Bond
Following the initial outcry on April 15, detectives worked around the clock to secure evidence and statements, leading to Hooper's swift apprehension two days later. Due to the severity of the charges and the vulnerable age of the victim, a judge set Hooper's total bond at $1.45 million.
