BRENHAM MAN SENTENCED TO 45 YEARS FOR CONTINUOUS CHILD SEX ABUSE

  

A Brenham man has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child.

A Washington County jury found 42-year-old Mario Hernandez guilty Thursday afternoon after less than three hours of deliberation.  Following a punishment hearing, the jury took less than an hour to assess the 45-year sentence and a $10,000 fine.  There is no consideration of parole for the offense. 

According to the Washington County District Attorney’s Office, the case was indicted in May 2021 after an outcry of abuse was made to a forensic interviewer at the Scotty’s House child advocacy center in Bryan.  The Brenham Police Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Office followed up with an investigation and presented a case to the District Attorney.

During the trial, the jury was presented evidence from a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner and the child’s counselor, as well as testimony from the victim.  The counselor explained grooming behavior of predators, how a child’s brain walls off some memories as a defense mechanism, and the healing process.  She also provided insight into the child’s progress through therapy and the long-term effects of the trauma suffered. 

Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child is a specially categorized felony enacted in 2007 as Texas’ version of “Jessica’s Law”.  It allows the State to charge a person for committing two or more sex acts against a child under 14 during a period of more than 30 days in duration.  The punishment range is 25-99 years, or life, in prison, and up to a $10,000 fine.

At trial, Assistant District Attorney DeJon Redd and District Attorney Derek Estep represented the State.  Aaron Kleinschmidt represented the defendant.

During closing arguments, Redd called Hernandez “a predator of the worst kind” and said, “We want the citizens of Washington County to be free of the fear of sexual predation.”  After the trial, Estep praised the bravery of the victim for coming forward regarding “a lifetime of sexual abuse happening behind closed doors.”  He said Hernandez’ verdict is “essentially a life sentence” and that he is proud of the jury for their work and the sentence given.