FORT WORTH, Texas — A retired Cook Children’s Hospital chaplain will spend 60 years in prison for recording himself sexually abusing a teen girl, officials said.
The Department of Justice said 71-year-old Michael Downs of Fort Worth was charged in March 2023 and pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of children in July 2023.
He was sentenced Thursday, Dec. 14 by U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman.
According to plea documents, an investigation into Downs began in January 2023 after a 17-year-old girl told her aunt that she had been sexually abused by Downs. The victim said Downs recorded the sexual abuse on an iPad, according to the documents.
Law enforcement said Downs’ wife provided investigators with several electronic devices from their home as part of their investigation. Law enforcement discovered a hard drive containing numerous videos and photos of Downs abusing the teen victim, the plea documents said.
"This is an incredibly important case involving shocking and abhorrent conduct," U.S. Attorney Simonton said following Downs’ sentencing. "Let this be a message to others who seek to prey on children in this way: We will do everything in our power to incapacitate you by locking you away in prison for as long as possible."
Judge Pittman also ordered a lifetime of supervised release for Downs.
"While preying on the vulnerability of our youth, those in positions of public trust should expect the most-stern accountability for their actions," HSI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Lester R. Hayes Jr. said. "Due to our strong partnership with the Fort Worth Police Department, we were again successful in prosecuting another sexual predator and preventing the victimization of more children."
In a statement Thursday, Cook Children's said it was "appalled, shocked and deeply saddened by the heinous crimes" committed by Downs. The hospital confirmed Downs was employed at the hospital from 1997 until February 2022.
"Throughout this investigation, we have fully cooperated with law enforcement. We are grateful for their impeccable work ensuring he will not be able to hurt another innocent child. We did not find any evidence that Downs was engaged in any wrongdoing or inappropriate behavior with our patients. However, we strongly encourage anyone who may be concerned that their child suffered sexual abuse by Downs or anyone else to immediately contact law enforcement," Cook Children's said.
