Conroe City Secretary Indicted on Child Porn Charges

**Conroe’s Longtime City Secretary Indicted on Child Pornography Charges; Wife Also Faces Charge**

**CONROE, Texas** – Gary F. “Jake” Quinlan, who served as Conroe’s City Secretary for over two decades, has been formally indicted on two counts of possession of child pornography, both second-degree felonies, following a grand jury decision in Montgomery County on June 20, 2024. The indictment marks a significant development in a multi-month investigation that culminated in Quinlan’s arrest last week and his subsequent resignation from his long-held municipal post.

The charges stem from a detailed investigation initiated several months ago by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force. Authorities reportedly began their inquiry after receiving a crucial tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), an organization dedicated to finding missing children and preventing child exploitation.

Quinlan, 56, was arrested on June 14 after warrants were executed just two days prior, on June 12, at his Conroe home. During the search, investigators seized various electronic devices, which are currently undergoing forensic analysis as part of the ongoing case.

The gravity of the allegations led to Quinlan being placed on administrative leave by the City of Conroe on June 17, as the charges became public. He officially tendered his resignation on June 19, just one day before the grand jury’s indictment. Quinlan is currently out on a total of $200,000 bond, with $100,000 assigned to each count.

“This is a deeply troubling and serious matter,” stated a spokesperson for the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, emphasizing the dedication of the ICAC task force to pursuing all leads related to child exploitation. “Our priority remains the protection of children and holding accountable those who would harm them.”

As City Secretary, Quinlan was a prominent figure within Conroe’s municipal government, responsible for critical functions including maintaining official city records, overseeing municipal elections, and managing City Council meetings. His sudden departure has left a significant void in a key administrative role.

Conroe City officials have largely refrained from commenting extensively on the specifics of the criminal case, citing it as an ongoing law enforcement matter. However, Mayor Jody Czajkoski previously acknowledged the situation, stating the city was cooperating fully with authorities and working to ensure a smooth transition in the City Secretary’s office. An interim appointment is expected to be announced soon.

Adding another layer to the incident, Quinlan’s wife, Catherine Quinlan, was also arrested on June 12 during the execution of the search warrants. She faces a Class B misdemeanor charge for interfering with public duties, reportedly for attempting to block officers from entering their home during the search. Details regarding her legal proceedings are pending.

Possession of child pornography is a second-degree felony in Texas, punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 per count. The case will proceed through the Montgomery County District Court system. No further information about Quinlan’s next court appearance has been publicly released at this time. The investigation remains active and ongoing.