We All Matter News 
Honored Firefighters Accused of Abusing Teen Volunteer Spark Outrage in North Texas
A North Texas community is grappling with shock and anger after three firefighters—two of whom were recently celebrated for their public service—were arrested on serious child sex abuse charges involving the same teenage victim.
David Yosimar Perez-Glass, Dalton Joe McCaslin, and Joshua Todd Ryals, all affiliated with the Howe Fire Department in Grayson County, now face multiple felony charges, including sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child involving sexual contact. According to court records, the alleged abuse centered on a 16-year-old junior firefighter who began volunteering with the department in January 2022.
The allegations underscore a painful truth: institutions that are meant to protect and uplift communities can also become places where power is abused—especially when oversight and accountability fall short.
Allegations of Grooming, Threats, and Repeated Assault
Documents state that Perez-Glass allegedly began harassing the teen within her first month at the department. The situation reportedly escalated during moments when they were alone at the fire station. According to the complaint, his behavior alarmed the girl and progressed from unwanted hugging and grabbing to physically overpowering her.
The victim told investigators that despite making clear she was uncomfortable and did not want sexual contact, Perez-Glass allegedly assaulted her more than 20 times over the course of a year. She reported that he threatened to rape her, kill her, and harm her parents if she ever spoke out.
The alleged abuse stopped only when she turned 17, at which point, according to court documents, Perez-Glass no longer wished to continue the relationship.
During the same period, Perez-Glass was named Firefighter of the Year by the Howe Fire Department and promoted to lieutenant—an honor that now raises urgent questions about how institutions evaluate leadership and character.
Additional Firefighters Charged
McCaslin is accused of engaging in what court documents described as a “consensual” sexual relationship beginning in December 2022. However, minors cannot legally consent to sexual relationships with adults, making the power imbalance central to the charges. The complaint alleges that one encounter occurred at an apartment McCaslin shared with another firefighter while the roommate was asleep.
Ryals is charged separately with two counts of indecency with a child involving sexual contact. Investigators say he admitted to inappropriate contact with the teen while alone with her at the Howe Fire Station.
In a troubling twist, Ryals resigned from his position at the Melissa Fire Department just one week before his arrest—shortly after being honored as Paramedic of the Year on March 16.
Community Trust Shaken
All three men were arrested by Texas Rangers following an investigation and booked into the Grayson County Jail. Perez-Glass and McCaslin each face three counts of sexual assault of a child, while Ryals faces two counts related to indecency with a child.
The case has sent shockwaves through the region, not only because of the severity of the allegations but because the accused were publicly celebrated members of their community. Firefighters are often viewed as pillars of trust and bravery—symbols of collective safety. When those entrusted with public service are accused of harming a vulnerable teen under their supervision, the betrayal cuts deeply.
This case is a stark reminder that real public safety includes protecting young people from abuse—no matter the badge, title, or award someone holds.
Advocates say the situation highlights the need for stronger safeguards for youth volunteers, clear reporting mechanisms, and a culture that prioritizes victims over reputations. Survivors of abuse often face immense fear and pressure when coming forward—particularly when the accused are authority figures admired within the community.
As the legal process unfolds, many are calling for accountability not only for the individuals charged but for the systems that allowed an alleged pattern of abuse to continue unchecked. Justice, community members say, must mean more than punishing wrongdoing—it must also mean transforming the structures that enable it.
