24-Year Sentence for Child Exploiter Renz

**Magnolia Man Sentenced to 24 Years for Child Exploitation in Montgomery County**

**Magnolia, TX** – Christopher Scott Renz, a 46-year-old Magnolia resident, was sentenced to 24 years in state prison on January 25, 2024, after pleading guilty to felony child exploitation charges in Montgomery County. The sentencing, handed down by Judge Phil Grant in the 9th District Court, follows an extensive, multi-agency investigation into the online distribution and possession of child pornography.

Renz received the 24-year term for Production of Child Pornography, with a concurrent 10-year sentence for Possession of Child Pornography. Because the conviction is classified as an aggravated offense, Renz will be required to serve at least half of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole consideration. Assistant District Attorney Kelsi Brown prosecuted the case for the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.

The comprehensive investigation began in August 2021 when the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Criminal Investigations Division received online tips concerning child pornography. These crucial tips often originate from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which acts as a clearinghouse for reports from technology companies and the public. The digital trail ultimately led investigators to Renz’s residence in Magnolia.

On October 21, 2021, a coordinated effort by DPS, alongside the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant at Renz’s home. During the search, investigators seized numerous digital devices containing a substantial quantity of child pornography. Further victim identification efforts confirmed that at least one of the victims was a child residing within Montgomery County, underscoring the local impact of Renz’s crimes.

Prosecutors with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office worked closely with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Texas Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. This joint effort was instrumental in meticulously gathering and presenting the complex digital evidence required for the successful prosecution. Renz formally entered his guilty pleas on December 13, 2023.

“This sentence sends a clear message that child exploitation will not be tolerated in Montgomery County,” stated Assistant District Attorney Kelsi Brown. “Our office is committed to relentlessly pursuing and prosecuting individuals who harm children, and we will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to bring these predators to justice and protect the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Law enforcement officials involved in the investigation reiterated the dedication required for such complex cases. “These investigations are incredibly challenging, requiring specialized skills and unwavering commitment from all agencies involved,” a spokesperson indicated. “The successful outcome in this case is a testament to the seamless cooperation between local, state, and federal agencies. We urge anyone who encounters suspected child exploitation to report it immediately to local law enforcement or NCMEC.”

Child exploitation remains a pervasive and growing threat, especially online. The ICAC Task Force, a nationwide network supported by the Texas DPS Criminal Investigations Division, plays a critical role in combating these crimes by sharing intelligence, resources, and expertise. The lengthy prison sentence for Renz highlights the severe penalties associated with the production and distribution of child pornography, reflecting society’s intolerance for such heinous acts.

For more information on the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, visit www.mctxdao.org.