Ushay Marquise Nixon Charged After Alleged Assault on 8-Year-Old at Texans Game

At a Glance

• An 8-year-old boy sued after an NFL stadium employee allegedly attempted to molest him during a Houston Texans game.
• The lawsuit names Aramark and ASM Global, and the accused, 21-year-old Ushay Marquise Nixon, faces felony charges.
• Nixon is jailed and scheduled for a court hearing on February 5.
• Why it matters: The case raises concerns about security and employee conduct at large sporting events.

The lawsuit filed on January 12 in Harris County alleges that Ushay Marquise Nixon, a 21-year-old employee of Aramark Sports and Entertainment Services of Texas, tried to molest an 8-year-old boy inside a restroom during the Houston Texans’ December 14 game against the Arizona Cardinals at NRG Stadium.

The Alleged Incident

The boy was attending his first NFL game with his family. His mother escorted him to a men’s restroom during the third quarter and waited outside. After the boy emerged, adjusting his pants, a bystander approached the mother and said he had seen her son with an adult employee inside the restroom and that the interaction “didn’t look right.”

The family questioned the boy, who said a man had pulled down his pants. The father took him back into the restroom, where the child identified Nixon as the alleged assailant. Surveillance footage later showed a man in a purple polo shirt-identified as Nixon-entering and exiting the restroom around the time of the incident.

In a forensic interview with Houston police days later, the boy said the man instructed him to enter a restroom stall. Inside the locked stall, the man allegedly pulled down the boy’s pants and underwear before lowering his own clothing, prompting the child to flee.

Legal Actions and Charges

The civil complaint names Aramark Sports and Entertainment Services of Texas, LLC and ASM Global Parent Inc. as defendants. It accuses Aramark of negligent hiring and both companies of failing to provide a safe environment at NRG Stadium.

Harris County court records show Nixon is charged with:

• Felony indecency with a child
• Felony attempted aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14

He remains jailed while awaiting a scheduled court hearing on February 5.

A prior incident in 2022 charged Nixon with indecency with a child and indecent assault; those charges were later dismissed.

Statements from Those Involved

• Boy’s mother: “My son has been having night terrors since the incident and has asked questions like, ‘Why did God let this happen to me?'”
• Boy’s father: “I feel I failed. I know there was nothing else I could do. I did everything that you think is right, but you’re supposed to protect your children and that day I failed.”
• Family’s attorney, Anna Greenberg: “The child went to his first NFL game expecting excitement and joy and instead he was targeted by an employee who never should have been allowed anywhere near children.”
• Aramark statement: “We are aware of the very disturbing situation, confirm Nixon is no longer employed by the company, and are fully cooperating with authorities.”
• ASM Global: did not respond to requests for comment.

Timeline of Events

Police Response

Houston police have asked anyone with information about the case to contact the department’s Special Victims Unit. Nixon reportedly admitted he was working restroom duty that day and asked the boy if he wanted to see his Pokémon card collection; the child became scared and ran away.

Broader Implications

The lawsuit highlights the need for rigorous employee screening and safety protocols at large venues. It also underscores the importance of rapid response by stadium staff and law enforcement when potential misconduct is reported.

Key Takeaways

• A child’s lawsuit alleges sexual misconduct by a stadium employee.
• The accused faces serious felony charges and is jailed.
• Aramark and ASM Global are named defendants for alleged negligence.
• The case may prompt a review of security and hiring practices at sports arenas.

—