MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas – A lengthy search for a Montgomery County man accused of sexually abusing a child ended July 27 when authorities found him in Louisiana, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office announced on Saturday.
James Michael Nona was initially investigated after the sheriff’s office received a report in July 2023 involving alleged sexual abuse of a child under 14. Investigators said the child reported that Nona had abused them over a period of years.
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As detectives with the agency’s Special Victims Unit worked the case, they learned Nona had left Texas after becoming aware of the investigation. Authorities later located him in Choctaw County, Oklahoma, where they say he was living under the name “Jordan Hill.”
Nona was arrested in Oklahoma, returned to Montgomery County and booked on a charge of continuous sexual abuse of a young child or disabled individual. Investigators also received information suggesting there could be additional victims connected to his time in Oklahoma. Those allegations remain under investigation by law enforcement agencies there.
Nona was released on bond in October 2024. More than a year later, authorities say he removed his court-ordered GPS monitor and disappeared while the Montgomery County case was still pending.
The investigation into his whereabouts led detectives to Louisiana, where they say Nona had been using the names “Trevor Craw” and “Dusty Crawford.” His arrest followed an extended effort involving the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Galveston Police Department.
Nona was transported to the Montgomery County Jail following his arrest.
Mother-daughter missing persons case
Nona was also reportedly seen with a missing Louisiana mother and her 10-year-old daughter in the Butte La Rose area before his arrest, according to the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Earlier this month, Louisiana authorities said Danielle Escue Lea, 39, and her daughter, Alayna, 10, were reported missing from Baton Rouge and are believed to be in St. Martin Parish. Their disappearance is being investigated by the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police and Baton Rouge police. Authorities have not said what role, if any, Nona may have played in the case.
Anyone with information about Danielle or Alayna Lea is asked to contact the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office at 337-394-3071 or St. Martin Crime Stoppers at 337-441-3030. Tips can also be submitted through the P3 Tips app.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Nona—or who has information that could assist investigators—to contact the agency at 936-760-5800 and reference case No. 23A209127.