CASA Advocacy Director and Wife Arrested After Home Search in China Spring

John Moorman, 51, and his wife Leslie Moorman, 48, were arrested Wednesday after Waco police searched their home in the 10000 block of Barton Creek Drive in China Spring. The couple faces state felony charges of endangering a child. Both were expected to be released from the county jail on Thursday on $5,000 bonds each.

Moorman served as the director of advocacy for CASA of McLennan County, a nonprofit that recruits and trains volunteers to assist children in the foster care system. He previously worked as a Child Protective Services worker. CASA Executive Director Ashlee Knutson confirmed that Moorman was placed on administrative leave Wednesday and is no longer employed by the organization. Knutson stated that the arrests were unrelated to his role as a staff member, noting that all CASA personnel undergo comprehensive background screening, including FBI fingerprinting and criminal checks.

Police officers executed a search warrant at the residence following a CyberTip concerning child sexual abuse material. During the search, investigators reported a foul odor consistent with human or animal excrement. The arrest affidavits describe the home as containing trash, food, feces, and soiled diapers throughout the residence, making it difficult to walk through without stepping on the debris.

The affidavits allege that while food was present in the refrigerator, the kitchen was not functional for cooking and insects were found throughout the house. Investigators also identified a rat's nest in the kitchen and observed rodents in a child's room. The detective noted that the condition of the residence presented a clear and present danger to the welfare of the children living there.

Child Protective Services workers took custody of the couple's two children, a 15-year-old boy and a 6-year-old girl, and placed them with other family members. Waco police spokesperson Cierra Shipley said investigators seized technology from the home as the investigation continues.