AMARILLO, Texas — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that federal agents arrested Tharon Thomas Drake, a 53-year-old Borger man, pursuant to a criminal complaint charging him with receipt of child pornography on Sept. 30.
“This arrest reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting every family in every community in North Texas,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “My office has zero tolerance for those who prey on children—whether in person or behind a screen. I want to reassure families that we are watching, we are vigilant and we will act swiftly and decisively against anyone who harms children.”
“This arrest reflects the FBI’s ongoing commitment to identifying individuals who prey on our children through online exploitation and ensuring they are held accountable,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “We will continue working closely with our partners to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
According to the criminal complaint, from at least April 2024 through Sept. 2, 2026, Drake allegedly communicated online with individuals he believed to be minors and received files containing child sexual abuse material. Court ordered search warrant material revealed that Drake received over 50 sexually explicit videos and images from two minor victims after they disclosed they were under the age of 18.
The complaint alleges Drake used multiple messaging platforms that investigators linked to the defendant through subscriber records, online accounts, IP address information and other identifying data. Drake is charged with receipt of child pornography. He made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lee Ann Reno on Sept. 30. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in federal prison.
The FBI Dallas Field Office, Amarillo Resident Agency conducted the investigation with the assistance of the FBI Dallas Field Office, Wichita Falls Resident Agency, the Borger Police Department, the Hutchinson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Potter County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Callie Woolam and Aspen Hall are prosecuting the case.
A complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.