On November 23, 2025, law enforcement officers with the Fairfield Police Department and the Freestone County Sheriff’s Office were advised of a female juvenile runaway believed to be traveling in a white Ford pickup.
The Denton County Sheriff’s Department reported that they were tracking the juvenile’s cell phone, which appeared to be located at the Whataburger in Fairfield. Officers checked the location but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Minutes later, law enforcement was dispatched to Tractor Supply on an unrelated call.
Freestone County deputies arrived to assist, and while on scene they observed a white Ford pickup matching the earlier description in the parking lot.
Officers contacted three individuals inside the vehicle and quickly confirmed that a 15-year-old female passenger was the runaway from Denton County.
Two males, ages 17 and 18, were also identified. The individuals stated they were traveling to Houston to meet friends.
After obtaining consent to search, officers located evidence that led to the arrest of the 18-year-old male, identified as Riley Cole Smith, for possession of child pornography.
The 17-year-old male was released at the scene.
The female juvenile was transported back to Denton County and released to her family.
The Fairfield Police Department will continue investigating the case, and possible human trafficking charges are pending.
The department extends its appreciation to K9 Corporal Silas and K9 Farock with Fairfield PD; and Lieutenant Darby, Deputy Thompson, and Deputy Aultman with the Freestone County Sheriff’s Department for their hard work and assistance. This was a team effort by both agencies.
