Feds raid Houston homes over purchase of chemical used in gas creation

Members of the FBI prepare to detonate an unknown substance at a home at 411 Fall River Road in the Memorial area, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013, in Houston. Members of the FBI prepare to detonate an unknown substance at a home at 411 Fall River Road in the Memorial area, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013, in Houston. Image 1 of / 54 Caption Close Feds raid Houston homes over purchase of chemical used in gas creation 1 / 54 Back to Gallery

A federal law enforcement search of homes in upscale Houston neighborhoods Friday was prompted by the ordering of chemicals that could be used in the manufacture of some type of gas, according to an official.

Agents wearing Hazmat-type gear raided two homes in Houston and a third home in Bryan at about 9 a.m.

The law enforcement source, who asked not to be identified, said the chemicals were not the type used in the manufacture of a traditional explosive.

The intent was "to make some sort of gas ... like tear gas or nerve gas," the source said.

The official said it was not known if any gas was ever produced or recovered.

All three homes are linked to a member of the Houston art community, Cecily E. Horton, and her husband, Andrew Schneck.

Horton's business partner confirmed that the raids were conducted on homes owned by Horton, but indicated the target of the activity is their son.

Melissa Grobmeyer, a partner in M.K.G. Art Management, said she is receiving tons of calls about the news.

"I'm not going into it," she said. "It has to do with her son."

Federal officials said they could not release other information because documents in the case have been sealed. No arrests have been made, officials said.

Andrew Edward Schneck, who is listed in the Texas A&M University directory and was reached by phone, said he didn't want to comment at this time.

"I'm thousands of miles away and basically don't really have anything to say," he said. "I appreciate the call. I've been told about it."

Schneck said he might talk at some future date but not now.

"I'd love to chat but it's inappropriate for me to do so," he said.

The first search warrant was executed at a house near Rice Village in the 2000 block of Albans near Wilton in the Southampton neighborhood, according to the FBI. The site was cleared as of 4 p.m.

FBI spokeswoman Shauna Dunlap said there was another site being searched simultaneously at 411 Fall River Road in the Memorial area. As of 10 p.m., that property was still being cleared.

A Bryan police sergeant confirmed that FBI agents were present at a multi-family complex in the 1400 block of Villa Maria.

Sgt. D. Thane said he didn't know the nature of the FBI's work there, however.

"I can't tell you if it's an investigation vs. a training exercise," he said. "I know we're assisting by providing access security at the apartment complex."

Horton's name appears on Harris County appraisals for both Houston properties under investigation.

The Harris County Appraisal District lists the owners of 2025 Albans as Andrew E. Schneck and Cecily E. Horton. The property, valued at $1.53 million, includes a 4,800-square-foot house with nine rooms and a swimming pool.

The Harris County Appraisal District lists the owner of 411 Fall River as Cecily E. Horton. The property, valued at $1.29 million, includes a 5,220-square-foot house with 11 rooms.

A neighbor of the Fall River home named Liz, who declined to give her last name, said the owner of the house is an A&M professor and the couple's son is college-aged and was rumored to be looking at suspect web sites.

Agents entering the home on Albans were wearing protective clothing, including purple gloves, white long-sleeve suits, and high, yellow boots. Two agents were also being suited up with masks rigged with a breathing apparatus.

Dunlap did say precautions are taken in all searches, especially when there is a chance that hazardous materials are present. However, officials couldn't discuss whether hazardous materials were present.

Residents in the Albans area say they have never seen anything like this before in their neighborhood and were curious why the FBI would be at the home.

"It's crazy," said 70-year-old Brad Fleming, who said he's lived in the neighborhood for about 25 years.

Another resident, Travis Broesche, who said he's lived in the neighborhood for about 25 years, said he and other neighbors believe the area and the house have been under surveillance for some time. He and others have noticed one or two cars parked at the curb not too far from the home for hours with a single person sitting inside.

One resident was worried enough about the cars to call the neighborhood security patrol. Broesche said the person was told it was possible surveillance by the FBI or a private investigator but there was no reason to be concerned.

When asked what he thought about the police activity, Broesche said, "It's the world we live in."

Residents say the home was purchased about a year ago, but they didn't know the current occupants.

A similar situation is reported by neighbors in the Memorial area near Fall River.

Tom Smith said his 88-year-old mother lives two houses from the scene of the FBI search. He said she's lived there 45 years and it has always been a quiet neighborhood.

It appears that the FBI officials involved in the case are working through the government shutdown, though none of them would comment on the furlough directly.

"We've taken an oath so we need to do our jobs and keep people secure," said Dunlap. "We're continuing to protect and serve."

Houston Chronicle reporter Molly Glentzer contributed to this story.