Former Texas Department of Family and Protective Services employee accused of child trafficking

HUNTSVILLE, Texas (KTRK) — Records show that a former employee of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services has been accused of child trafficking.

According to the agency, Hannah Nicole Sample worked for DFPS until July 2023.

At that time, Huntsville police say CPS contacted them about a missing minor who is identified as a boy in court records.

Court records show that instead of being in state custody, the boy was staying with Sample.

Investigators told ABC13 that after the state agency notified police, they found both the victim and Sample at an apartment complex on Lake Road. Sample turned herself in after a warrant was issued for her arrest.

Huntsville police have not explained how they found the two.

Police said that during the investigation, detectives found that Sample helped the boy leave custody and allowed him to stay with her while she “engaged in sexual activity” with him.

Police have not told ABC13 how Sample was able to get the boy out of custody.

Court filings show that Sample was charged in December 2025, but it is still unclear why the investigation took so long.

ABC13 contacted the Department of Family and Protective Services with questions about the accusations against Sample, but the department declined to comment.

Court records show that a pre-trial date has been set for Feb. 17 as the investigation continues.

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