Staff reports

A Whitesboro resident has been identified as the suspect of a child exploitation case. In a news release issued to the public on Friday morning, the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office said the crime was investigated with the help of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

“The Grayson County Sheriff’s Office, through its Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, recently conducted an investigation into the online possession of child exploitative material,” the release said. “As a result, 26-year-old Shane Andrew Gilliam, a resident of Whitesboro, Texas, was identified as the suspect.”

Gilliam is believed to have worked with children previously.

“A search warrant was obtained and executed at Gilliam’s residence,” the release said. “During that process, investigators learned Gilliam had previously been employed at A Child’s Garden Daycare & Learning Center, LLC, a licensed childcare facility in Whitesboro, Texas.

“Because this facility is located within Cooke County, our agency immediately coordinated with the Cooke County Sheriff’s Office. That coordination is ongoing, and the investigation remains active and developing.”

The agencies are working together to learn whether there are any other children who may have been affected in this case.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we are asking any parent or caregiver whose child has attended A Child’s Garden Daycare & Learning Center, LLC—either currently or in the past—to contact our office,” the release said. “If you have concerns or information that may assist, please email us at gcsoinvestigations@co.grayson.tx.us. An investigator will follow up directly and confidentially.

“At this time, we have no information suggesting any child is in immediate danger. However, due to the nature of the charges and Gilliam’s former employment, we want to ensure all concerns are addressed.”

The investigation into the child exploitative material is continuing.

“We understand how upsetting these allegations are to the community,” the release said. “Please know that we are conducting a thorough and professional investigation.

“As with any criminal case, an arrest is not a conviction. Shane Andrew Gilliam is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. We urge the public to avoid speculation and allow the investigative and judicial process to proceed appropriately.”