According to a Probable Cause Affidavit, a 22‑year‑old registered sex offender was taken into custody Wednesday after Houston police say he was found parked on school property for the second time in two days, according to a probable cause statement filed in Texas County.
Houston Police Officer C. Davis reported receiving information on February 24 that a man had used “profane language directed at” a middle school staff member and was seen on campus. Davis observed a silver Chevrolet Traverse leaving Houston Middle School “at a high rate of speed,” and a registration check identified the owner as Joel Nuedeck, a registered sex offender.
School staff were advised to notify police if the vehicle returned.
On February 25, Davis again received information that the same individual was on school grounds and possibly accompanied by another person. The officer saw the Traverse parked on Houston R‑1 School District property, which is also within 500 feet of the elementary school. As Davis approached, a woman ran toward the vehicle, and the officer identified the driver as Nuedeck.
Davis confirmed Nuedeck was on the sex offender registry and had no children enrolled in the district. After being read his Miranda rights, Nuedeck acknowledged he understood and admitted he was aware he was not allowed on school property. He told the officer he was attempting to make money through DoorDash, saying, “I know it’s not a reason to be, but I’m trying to make some money, I got a kid on the way.”
Nuedeck was transported to the Texas County Jail and placed on a 24‑hour hold. A criminal history check showed prior convictions for first‑degree sexual abuse involving a victim under 14 and possession of child pornography, both entered on December 19, 2022.
Nuedeck is charged with being a sex offender present or loitering within 500 feet of a school, a violation of RSMo 566.149.
