Arrest in museum sexual assault of child case

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - Police have arrested a man who was named as the suspect in the case of an 11-year-old girl who said she was the victim of sexual assault  inside the Children’s Museum of Houston.

Joseph Anderson, 40, is charged with two counts of indecency with a child. He was a friend of the girl's mother. 

Police say Anderson was with the girl at the Children’s Museum of Houston on 1500 Binz Street and took her to the second floor of the building where she was assaulted. Two people witnessed the assault and immediately notified museum staff for help. The girl was taken to a private room where she reported the sexual assault.

Museum security staff took immediate action once the incident was reported, although Anderson had immediately escaped before a search of the facility was completed. Museum administrators have cooperated fully with investigators since the moment when the incident was reported.

After investigators identified Anderson as the suspect in the sexual assault case, two arrest warrants were issued on Monday for him.

With help from Arkansas State Police, police took Anderson into custody on Friday in the town of Paragould where he was staying with relatives. He is now awaiting extradition to Harris County.

During the course of the investigation, it was determined that additional victims may have been sexually assaulted by Anderson. Anyone who believes his/her child may have had inappropriate contact with Anderson is encouraged to contact the Houston Police Department Special Victims Division by phone at 713-308-1140.