Texas authorities capture two statewide most-wanted suspects in separate Houston and Waco operations

Arrests followed separate investigations and task-force coordination across multiple agencies

Two individuals listed on Texas’ “10 Most Wanted” roster were taken back into custody this month in separate operations in Houston and Waco, state officials said. Carl James Hegert, 40, was arrested in Houston on Feb. 18, 2026. Brien Keith Coleman, 39, was arrested in Waco on Feb. 23, 2026.

In both cases, authorities said no cash reward will be paid out through the state’s Crime Stoppers program.

Houston arrest: Carl James Hegert

Hegert—identified by state officials as a “Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offender”—was located and arrested at an apartment complex in Houston. Officials said the arrest involved a coordinated effort that included state investigators and troopers, as well as members of a U.S. Marshals-led fugitive task force operating along the Gulf Coast.

State officials said Hegert has prior convictions dating back to 2006, including theft of a firearm, sexual assault of a child, assault causing bodily injury to a family member, failure to register as a sex offender, and manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance. Officials said he was discharged from the Texas prison system in January 2025.

Authorities said Hegert had been wanted since October 2025 after a warrant was issued in Waller County for larceny. Officials also said he was wanted in San Jacinto County for failing to comply with sex-offender registration requirements.

Waco arrest: Brien Keith Coleman

Coleman—identified by state officials as a “Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive”—was arrested during a traffic stop in Waco. Officials said the stop was arranged after investigators developed information on Coleman’s whereabouts and coordinated with troopers to conduct the stop, with participation from a U.S. Marshals-led fugitive task force operating statewide.

Officials said Coleman was arrested in September 2023 in McLennan County on an allegation of indecency with a child by sexual contact. Authorities also said he was arrested again on Dec. 10, 2025, for violating a bond or protective order and later bonded out. Officials said he became a wanted fugitive on Dec. 29, 2025, when a warrant was issued in McLennan County alleging indecency with a child by sexual contact.

How the “10 Most Wanted” program works

Texas’ “10 Most Wanted” lists are assembled through coordination between state investigators and local law enforcement agencies. The Crime Stoppers reward program is supported through state public-safety funding and is designed to encourage the public to provide information leading to arrests, while allowing tipsters to remain anonymous.

Officials again cautioned members of the public not to attempt to apprehend individuals featured on statewide most-wanted lists, describing them as potentially armed and dangerous.

• Feb. 18, 2026: Hegert arrested in Houston at an apartment complex.
• Feb. 23, 2026: Coleman arrested in Waco during a traffic stop.
• No Crime Stoppers reward payments were announced for either arrest.