Former Houston park ranger back in prison

Joey Ellis, 33, is accused of two counts of abuse of office and one count of aggravated sexual assault.

HOUSTON – A former Houston park ranger is back in jail for violating bail conditions, prosecutors said.

Joey Lamar Ellis, 33, was charged with abuse of office in June, accusing him of threatening people with arrest if they did not remove their clothes and give him money.

Prosecutors said at a court hearing in June that Ellis approached two men in a car in Cullen Park and told them he knew why they were there. He was off duty that night, but they said Ellis was wearing his ranger uniform and driving a city vehicle.

One of the men told police that Ellis threatened to take him to jail unless he stripped naked, confessed to a crime he didn't commit and paid him $300. The man said he didn't have that much money but gave Ellis $20 in cash and another $200 through CashApp. According to prosecutors, Ellis also told the victim he needed to help lure other men to the park through gay dating apps so he could do the same to them. The man fled and called police.

“I expect there will be a lot of evidence in this case, given the fact that the defendant received cash payments from all of these individuals in exchange for threatening to send them to prison for crimes that don't even exist,” Assistant District Attorney Kimberly Smith told us.

Ellis' defense attorney stated in June and continues to insist that the allegations against Ellis are not true.

“Mr. Ellis is an honorable citizen who has never been in trouble in his life, and he vigorously denies these allegations,” Wes Rucker said in June. “And we think when the evidence presents itself, it will be shown that it was a mistake to bring these cases.”

Ellis was released on $30,000 bail and ordered to avoid all city parks and not to have any contact with his accusers.

Ellis was arrested again and arraigned on Monday after being accused of violating the original bail conditions that prevented him from leaving the area. Several people said he lives in his native Louisiana.

“We are just so grateful for their bravery and courage to come forward because I can't imagine, I know it can't be easy, but thanks to them he is back behind bars where he belongs,” Smith said.

The defense said he returned to Louisiana because he lost his job as a park ranger.

Since his most recent arrest, more victims have come forward, according to the state, including one who accused Ellis of telling him to pay him money or have oral sex with him or his car would be towed. Prosecutors said the victim had oral sex with Ellis.

Ellis is facing sexual assault charges, which are considered a hate crime because prosecutors believe he targeted men based on their sexual preferences.

Ellis denies the allegations.

“I personally believe that everyone is proven innocent until proven guilty and that everyone is entitled to a strong and committed defense,” said defense attorney Ryan Fremuth.

The judge set Ellis' bail at $75,000 for the aggravated sexual assault charge and $60,000 for each of the two counts of abuse of office.

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