A Bellville man is facing felony charges following an investigation by the Bellville Police Department into allegations that he contacted underage females through social media applications.
According to a press release from the Bellville Police Department, officers received information in May 2026 regarding a male allegedly communicating with underage girls through various social media platforms. Investigators reported that the individual allegedly sent multiple messages to underage females in an attempt to arrange meetings for sexual activity.
Following an investigation, the case was presented to the Austin County District Attorney’s Office on June 8, 2026. Warrants were subsequently obtained.
At approximately 6:45 p.m. on June 8, Bellville Police officers took Anthony Phearse into custody. He was arrested on two counts of Online Solicitation of a Minor, a second-degree felony under Texas law.
Under Texas Penal Code ยง33.021, a conviction for Online Solicitation of a Minor can carry a punishment of two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 for each count. Additional penalties, including sex offender registration requirements, may also apply depending on the circumstances of the case and the outcome of court proceedings.
The investigation was conducted by the Bellville Police Department with assistance from the Austin County District Attorney’s Office.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The charges filed against Phearse are allegations, and the case will proceed through the judicial process before any determination of guilt or innocence is made.
