More than five years have passed since former Port Neches Fire Chief Paul Nelson was found in possession of child pornography. An investigation by the Port Neches Police Department stemming from an online tip from the National Center for Exploited or Missing Children led to the discovery in 2021. Years later, Nelson still had not been indicted for the crime when he was arrested for similar activity in nearby Montgomery County in 2023. Shortly after the second charge, Nelson was then indicted for two counts of possession of child pornography in Jefferson County.
April 28, Jefferson County 252nd District Court Judge Raquel West accepted Nelson’s guilty pleas to two counts of possession of child pornography stemming from his Jan. 13, 2021 crime, and sentenced him to eight years in prison.
Although Nelson pleaded guilty and was sentenced two eight-year sentences, West ordered the prison time to be served concurrently – and concurrent to eight-year sentences handed down in Montgomery County. In the Montgomery County cases, Nelson was arrested and charged in October 2023 for online solicitation of a minor and possession with intent to promote child pornography. The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office was unavailable for comment at press time.
According to Nelson’s attorney, former 252nd District Court Judge Layne Walker, his client has been incarcerated 2.5 years. West said Nelson will get credit for the time already served.
Paul Nelson
Screenshot from the Jefferson County Courthouse. Courtesy image.