Judge restricts youth coach's contact with own kids after child pornography arrest, officials say

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A Houston father who coached youth sports has been charged with possession of child pornography after investigators said they found explicit material involving minors on a computer at his home.

Authorities said that Samuel Siegel, 32, was arrested following an investigation by Harris County Precinct 1 Constable's Office. According to court records, detectives found child pornography on a desktop computer, including screen-recorded videos depicting explicit interactions with minors.

Investigators said Siegel admitted the computer was equipped with specialized software that allowed users to share explicit photos and videos.

Authorities said Siegel told detectives he volunteers at his church and has coached youth basketball and soccer. He is also the father of four children, all 6 years old and under.

During a court hearing, a judge expressed concerns about community safety and ordered Siegel to have no contact with anyone under the age of 17 without court approval, including his own children. Siegel is also prohibited from supervising or participating in activities involving minors and must install court-approved monitoring software on any internet-enabled devices, except those used for work.

Siegel has no prior criminal history, according to investigators.

"This is yet another reminder to predators that our detectives patrol cyberspace and they will catch you," Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen said in a statement. "It is also a reminder to parents to be aware of what your children are doing online, as they are vulnerable."

Siegel is charged with a third-degree felony. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about possible inappropriate interactions between Siegel and minors to contact the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit at 713-222-4929.