CASA Director Arrested After Officers Find Feces and Rodents in Texas Home
John Moorman, 51, and his wife were charged with state felony child endangerment after a search warrant revealed the children lived amid trash, bugs, and a rat's nest.
By Leah Thompson ·
Officers found trash, food, feces, and soiled diapers scattered so thickly across the floor of a China Spring, Texas home that it was impossible to walk through without stepping on them.
The discovery formed the basis of state felony child endangerment charges against John Moorman, 51, and his wife, Leslie Moorman, 48. Both parents were arrested Wednesday, November 11, by Waco police. They were scheduled for release from the county jail on Thursday, each on a $5,000 bond.
The investigation began when authorities received a CyberTip concerning child sexual abuse material. Detectives served a search warrant at the Moormans' residence in the 10000 block of Barton Creek Drive. The affidavit notes that investigators immediately detected a foul odor associated with human or animal excrement. As they moved through the home, they documented bugs throughout the residence. A rat's nest was located in the kitchen, and officers observed rodents inside a child's room.
The kitchen contained food in the refrigerator, but the affidavit states the space was not in a condition where anything could be cooked. The detective writing the affidavit described the state of the residence as a clear and present danger to the welfare of the children. Child Protective Services workers took custody of a 15-year-old boy and a 6-year-old girl, placing them with other family members.
John Moorman served as the director of advocacy for CASA of McLennan County. The organization recruits, trains, and supports volunteers who assist children in the foster care system. Moorman had previously worked as a Child Protective Services worker. He was placed on administrative leave Wednesday. Ashlee Knutson, the CASA executive director, confirmed on Thursday that Moorman is no longer employed by the nonprofit.
Knutson stated that the arrests were unrelated to his role as a staff member. She noted that all individuals serving CASA programs undergo a comprehensive, multi-layered background screening process. This includes FBI fingerprinting, child protective services checks, national sex offender registry checks, and criminal background checks. Because these checks are fingerprint-based, ongoing monitoring continues once a person begins serving in any capacity.
Detectives seized technology from the home as the investigation continues. Cierra Shipley, a Waco police spokesperson, confirmed the seizure of electronic devices from the residence.
