This week’s news items serve as a reminder that sexual assault can happen to anyone, at any age, anywhere. It includes reports of sexual abuse that took place in fraternity houses and in immigrant detention centers, among other places. Additionally, people charged with sexual assault do not fit into a narrow group; despite the media stereotypes that portray sex offenders as lonely men, some defendants in sex crime cases are women, including the alleged perpetrator of one of the assaults described in this week’s news. Some of this week’s news items involve assaults that allegedly took place outside Texas, but Texas defendants or law enforcement were involved.
Sexual Assault Reported at University of Texas Fraternity Party
A young woman told University of Texas police that she was sexually assaulted at a party hosted by the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. Jordan Coff, the president of the Sigma Alpha Mu chapter at the University of Texas, confirmed that the report involves an alleged sexual assault at an off-campus fraternity house belonging to Sigma Alpha Mu, and that the fraternity brothers helped police identify the suspect, who was a guest at the party but is not a member of the fraternity.
Guard at Immigrant Detention Center Accused of Sexually Abusing Asylum Seeker
While detained at T. Don Hutto Detention Facility near Austin, asylum seeker Laura Monterrosa allegedly suffered sexual abuse by a female guard for four months. Eventually, Monterrosa stopped going to the cafeteria for fear that she would see her abuser there. It was only when Monterrosa faced disciplinary action for refusing food for over a week that she told authorities about the abuse. 43 Democratic members of Congress have called on the Trump administration to investigate the detention center, which is operated by a private prison company.
Illinois Fugitive Arrested in Texas on Child Sexual Abuse Charges
Jeffrey Huckeby of Hoffman Estates, a suburb of Chicago, was wanted on charges of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, in his home state of Illinois. He fled to Texas, where U.S. Marshals found him in a trailer in Lubbock. Huckeby is currently awaiting extradition.
Texas Man Faces Possible Life Sentence in Oklahoma Child Sexual Assault Case
Dennis Harry Peterson, Jr. could face life in prison if convicted of any of five felony charges of child sexual abuse. The alleged sexual assaults took place in Oklahoma, beginning when the victim was 14 years old. Text messages between Peterson and his wife could be used as evidence if the case goes to trial.
Contact Madrid Law About Sex-Related Crimes
Some offenses involving sexual assault or abuse carry harsh sentences, up to and including life in prison. The law takes sexual abuse seriously, but all defendants have a right to legal representation to protect them from false accusations and undue punishment. Contact Madrid Law in Houston to discuss your case if you have been accused of a sex-related crime.
