HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Houston-area pastor convicted in an online child sex sting is scheduled to be released from prison Tuesday after serving less than half of his 25-year sentence, according to records.
Records show Jeremiah Busby has been granted parole and is expected to be released from prison. A planned July 4 welcome-home celebration at Set Free Church on Uvalde Road was canceled after church leaders learned more about his criminal history.
Jeremiah Busby Parole Raises Safety Concerns
Supporters had promoted the welcome-home event with flyers on social media. The celebration was scheduled for July 4 at Set Free Church in northeast Houston.
After ABC13 contacted church leaders about the event, the church canceled the rental. Church leaders also refunded the organizer’s payment.
Church leaders said they did not know Busby’s criminal history when the space was booked. They said Busby’s required sex offender registration raised safety concerns because children attend the church.
2015 Arrest Followed Online Sting
ABC13 first reported on Busby’s arrest in 2015. At the time, Busby was involved in prison ministry, according to his Facebook page.
Investigators said Busby believed he was meeting a 14-year-old girl for sex. Instead, he encountered law enforcement during an online child exploitation sting.
Busby was convicted in 2017. He received a 25-year prison sentence for online solicitation of a minor.
Because of that conviction, Busby must register as a sex offender. If released as scheduled, he will remain on parole for about 14 years.
Organizer Says Event Was About Second Chances
The event was organized by Randy San Miguel. He said he met Busby while both men were incarcerated.
San Miguel said he served time for stealing cars and now does prison outreach. He said he believes people who leave prison deserve support after release.
“I’m an advocate for second chances because someone did it for me,” San Miguel said.
When asked whether he had concerns about Busby being around children, San Miguel said any contact would be monitored.
“I don’t condone it. It’s a crime. He got sentenced for it. How far do you take it? How far do you beat a dead dog? He was paroled, and he met his requirements. How much more?” San Miguel said.
Criminal History Includes Prior Murder Conviction
Busby’s record includes more than the online solicitation conviction. He previously served prison time in Dallas County for murder and aggravated robbery.
Records also show Busby has a drug conviction.
The canceled event highlights a difficult issue for faith communities and prison outreach groups. Churches often support reentry efforts, but they also must consider safety, transparency and the presence of children.
For families in the congregation, church leaders said the decision came down to caution. Busby’s release may move forward, but the welcome-home celebration will no longer take place at Set Free Church.
This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.