A family from East Texas — including two former law enforcement officers — has been arrested and charged in a years-long child sexual abuse case that investigators say involved the repeated assault of a 9-year-old boy and the production of child exploitation material.
According to arrest affidavits, Skyler Laza, a former Houston County deputy, and Kenan Laza, a former Gladewater police officer, were taken into custody alongside their father, Carl Laza, and a third brother, Kaleb Laza. Authorities allege the abuse occurred over several years and, in some instances, took place inside family homes.
The investigation began after a cyber tip was submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, triggering a multi-agency probe that uncovered extensive digital evidence. Prosecutors say the material documented repeated assaults and showed a coordinated pattern of abuse.
Officials described the case as one of the most disturbing they have encountered, particularly given the involvement of former officers entrusted to protect the public. All four suspects are now facing multiple state and federal charges related to aggravated sexual assault of a child and child sexual exploitation.
Prosecutors have indicated they will pursue maximum penalties, stating the evidence suggests sustained abuse and deliberate efforts to conceal the crimes.
