Three North Texas Firefighters Arrested Following Texas Rangers Investigation into Allegations of Child Sex Crimes

Three North Texas firefighters face child sexual assault and indecency charges in Grayson County following an independent investigation by the Texas Rangers.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 28, 2026, 6:56 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from KLTV

A Collaborative Investigation into Emergency Personnel

A multi-agency investigation led by the Texas Rangers has resulted in the arrest of three firefighters formerly or currently active in various North Texas communities. The inquiry began when the Howe Police Department received allegations of serious misconduct involving members of the Howe Volunteer Fire Department. Recognizing the severity of the claims and the need for an independent review, local authorities requested the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety to lead the criminal probe.

Formal Charges Filed Against Department Members

Following the specialized investigation, authorities identified David Perez, Dalton McCaslin, and Joshua Ryals as the primary subjects. Perez and McCaslin each face three counts of sexual assault of a child, while Ryals has been charged with two counts of indecency with a child involving sexual contact. All three men were processed and booked into the Grayson County Jail on Thursday, marking a significant development in a case that has sent shockwaves through the regional emergency services community.

Tracking Professional Affiliations Across the Region

Records from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection indicate that the suspects held positions in multiple municipalities prior to their arrests. Perez most recently served with the Irving Fire Department, with previous experience in Van Alstyne and Howe. McCaslin’s professional history includes the Allen Fire Department as well as volunteer roles in Prosper and Howe. Ryals was most recently employed by the Melissa Fire Department, following tenures with departments in Paris and Van Alstyne, highlighting the broad professional reach of the accused individuals.