13-Year-Old Girl Rescued from Father’s Suspected Drug Operation in Katy

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

January 23, 2020

By Jennifer Miko

Last night, deputies with Constable Ted Heap’s Office arrested a suspected drug dealer near his Katy home. Officials confiscated more than $45,000 in illegal drugs. The suspect was also charged with injuring his 13-year-old daughter, who he allegedly had been forcing to take part in drug deliveries in Houston and the surrounding areas.

On Wednesday, January 22, deputies with Constable Ted Heap’s Office arrested Phillip Ellis Cunningham, Jr., 33, in the 23500 block of Clay Road near Porter Road in Katy. Illegal drugs, weapons and cash were found in the man's home.

Substantial Amount of Drugs and Money Found in Home

Constable Heap’s Narcotics Unit obtained and executed a search warrant of Cunningham’s home in the 2500 block of Pines Pointe Drive. They discovered more than two kilos of Xanax and more than 200 grams of what appears to be Ecstasy, and a pill press inside.

Cunningham also had more than $14,000 in his possession and in his home.

Jeff McShan, Public Information Officer with Heap’s office, said deputies also found two pistols and an AR-15 inside Cunningham’s home.

Children Removed from Suspect’s Home

Deputies worked with Child Protective Services (CPS) to ensure the safety of Cunningham’s 13-year-old daughter who is now in the custody of her mother.

“The 13-year-old girl made an outcry to someone who called police,” says McShan.

Initially, Cunningham’s daughter reported being slapped in the face; recently reporting being forcibly grabbed by the wrist led to the criminal charge.

The daughter told investigators that she ran drugs and money to and from the car to the drop off points for three years.

At the time of the arrest Cunningham’s 3-year-old daughter was inside his car. She is safe and has been returned to her mother as well.

Suspect Faces Charges

Heap’s office reports that Cunningham faces three felony charges: injury to a child and two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

McShan said Heap’s office is coordinating with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office on this case.

Katy Magazine will update this story as information becomes available.

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