HOUSTON — A repeat child predator from Alvin will likely spend the rest of his life in a prison cell after he was caught trying to buy a little girl so he could sexually abuse her.
And that's not all.
Keenan Edward Howe, 36, was sentenced to 720 months -- or 60 years -- in federal prison for distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced.
The Brazoria County man was arrested in August 2022 after online conversations with an undercover FBI agent who Howe believed was the father of young children.
"Throughout the conversation, Howe expressed his desire to drug and violently sexually abuse the children," according to U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. "He also discussed purchasing the younger minor child for the purpose of sexually abusing her."
Howe also admitted to the undercover agent that he had sexually abused multiple children.
After making plans to meet the "father" in person, Howe was arrested by the FBI agents who were waiting for him. He had just been released from prison for sexually abusing a minor two months earlier.
Howe pleaded guilty in October 2022.
This week, a federal judge sentenced the predator to 600 months for distribution and receipt of child porn and another 120 months for possession of child porn.
The FBI conducted the investigation as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Child abuse resources & services
If you or someone you know is a victim of child abuse of any kind, there is help available. You can start by contacting one of these agencies or organizations.
- Children's Assessment Center 1-800-252-5400
- Childhelp 1-800-4-A-CHILD
- Houston Police Department Juvenile Division 713-731-5353
- Crime Stoppers of Houston 713-521-4600
You can also tell an adult you trust, such as a teacher, principal or school counselor.
