Church Employee Accused of Posing as ICE agent in Extortion Scheme, Houston Police say
A man employed by Gateway Community Church is facing charges after allegedly identifying himself as an ICE agent and extorting money from a woman in Houston, police announced Saturday. Investigators say 34-year-old Ryan Doolittle demanded $500 from teh victim, threatening deportation if she didn’t comply.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of immigrant communities too fraud and the potential for abuse of authority, even when falsely claimed. Doolittle’s arrest follows a swift investigation triggered by the victim reporting the scheme to officers, and raises questions about vetting procedures for individuals in positions of trust within religious organizations.He is currently held on a $10,000 bond, and the case is proceeding thru the Harris County court system.
According to police reports, Doolittle approached the woman at her business and presented an identification card claiming to be an ICE agent.He then requested to see her identification, which she provided in the form of a temporary visa. The situation escalated when Doolittle allegedly demanded she send him $500 via the Zelle digital payment network, warning her she would be deported and separated from her family if she refused.
After the victim sent the money, Doolittle allegedly texted her, falsely assuring her that her case had been marked for non-prosecution and instructing her to delete their conversation. The following day, she recounted the experience to police officers she encountered at a luncheon.
Investigators say Doolittle initially denied visiting the woman’s business or providing a massage, but surveillance footage contradicted his claims.A magistrate detailed the alleged extortion during Doolittle’s probable cause hearing on Saturday, stating, “He demanded she Zelle him $500 or he would take her away and she would never see her family or children again.”
Gateway Community Church has not yet responded to requests for comment. Zelle is a widely used digital payment network facilitating money transfers between bank accounts.