Woodlands Man Known as Candyman Arrested in Undercover Teen Solicitation Sting

Disturbing Grooming Operation Exposed

A 65-year-old man from The Woodlands who earned the nickname "Candyman" for giving candy to neighborhood children was arrested Friday after attempting to arrange sex with what he believed was a 13-year-old girl . Brian Blaine was booked on charges of online solicitation of a minor and held on $200,000 bond .

The investigation began when a 13-year-old girl who lives in Harris County told her parents that an adult had been sending explicit messages . The girl gave investigators access to her phone and social media communications, and undercover officers engaged the suspect online . Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman described some of the messages as "repulsive" and said the suspect had been grooming the 13-year-old .

Herman revealed that Blaine was known as the 'Candyman' in that subdivision because he's always giving candy out to kids and talking to kids and kids are always hanging out at his house . Investigators say the girl first encountered Blaine days earlier while walking with friends in The Woodlands' Grogan Mill Villages subdivision in Montgomery County .

Undercover Operation and Arrest

After taking over the victim's communications, investigators say Blaine agreed to have sex with whom he believed was a 13-year-old and arranged a meeting . According to Herman, Blaine agreed to meet the girl Friday evening at a local elementary school in north Harris County. Deputies arrested him in the parking lot when he arrived .

Herman confirmed that Blaine "sincerely felt it was the 13-year-old girl that that he had been talking to" during the sting operation. The arrest took place at the school parking lot where Blaine expected to meet his victim.

Because some initial contacts occurred in Montgomery County, the investigation is being conducted jointly with Montgomery County Constable Ryan Gable's office . This multi-jurisdictional approach reflects the scope of Blaine's alleged activities across county lines.

Potential for Additional Victims

Investigators have identified other children who frequently spent time at the suspect's house and plan to interview them to determine whether there are additional victims . Herman told reporters that investigators saw references in messages to younger children, including as young as 12 .

At this time, Herman said, officials have no evidence of other confirmed victims but are urging parents or teens who may have had interactions with Blaine to come forward . The investigation remains active as authorities work to determine the full extent of potential victimization.

The case highlights the ongoing threat of online predators who use seemingly innocent interactions to gain access to children. Parents are reminded to monitor their children's online communications and report suspicious behavior to authorities immediately. The nickname "Candyman" carries particularly dark historical significance in the Houston area, though there is no known connection between these cases and Blaine .