Houston-area family sues former HCSO deputy, Harris County and dating app Pure over alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old

A Houston-area family filed a lawsuit seeking $1 million in damages against former Harris County Sheriff's Office deputy Nicholas Burbridge, Harris County and the owners of dating app Pure, alleging Burbridge drugged and sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl in March 2026.

The lawsuit names Burbridge, 35, as the primary defendant and accuses him of posing as a 16-year-old on Pure to arrange a meeting with the girl. According to the filing, Burbridge picked the girl up and drove her to his home in Tomball, where he gave her dispensary edibles that caused her to lose consciousness. The suit alleges he then sexually assaulted her.

The plaintiffs include the girl, her parents and her great-grandfather. They are seeking $1 million in damages plus attorney fees.

Burbridge was arrested on August 3 and charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child. He was released later that month after posting a $150,000 bond. He also faces a separate charge of solicitation of a prostitute, which allegedly occurred in August 2025.

The lawsuit argues Harris County failed to investigate, discipline or act on the earlier solicitation allegation. The plaintiffs say that failure allowed Burbridge to continue misusing his authority and led to the conduct described in the suit.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office said Burbridge was terminated on March 6. The Harris County Attorney's Office, which represents the county in civil matters, said Monday it had not yet been served with the lawsuit. Harris County Attorney Abbie Kamin said the county takes these allegations seriously and cannot comment on active or pending litigation.

Burbridge's attorney, Cordt Akers, said the allegations are false. In a statement Tuesday, Akers said the lawsuit reads like a reach for a payday rather than a pursuit of truth, and said his client did not commit the act.

The suit also accuses Pure of failing to properly verify Burbridge's age. The company did not immediately return a request for comment.

The lawsuit will proceed in civil court while Burbridge's criminal charges remain pending. The next court dates in either matter were not immediately available.