Alvin

Alvin man suspected in car burglaries now facing child porn charges

FRIENDSWOOD, Texas—A 21-year-old Alvin man suspected in two Friendswood car burglaries is now facing child pornography charges.

Friendswood police said Thomas Brantley Collins and an accomplice went from house to house in the Forest of Friendswood subdivision on the night of February 1, checking for unlocked vehicles.

Investigators said two cars were burglarized that night, and the stolen items included an Apple iPhone, some cash, credit cards and textbooks.

Police said the suspects then went to a local department store to make purchases with the stolen cards. The license plate of Collins’ black pickup was caught by surveillance cameras there, and police were able to identify him as a suspect.

A warrant for burglary of a motor vehicle was issued for Collins in Galveston County.

Two weeks later, on February 14, a tipster notified police that Collins was visiting his valentine at Alvin High School.

Officers tracked him down and arrested him. Police said Collins had the stolen iPhone with him when he was booked into the Friendswood jail, but the phone had been modified for his personal use.

Investigators said Collins was using the phone to store child pornography.

When interviewed, police said Collins admitted to the vehicle burglaries.

Collins will be transferred to the Galveston County Jail, where he will be held on a total bond of $3,000 for the burglary charges and $250,000 for the child porn charge.

Police said they plan to issue warrants for Collins’ accomplice soon.