Continuous Sex Abuse of a Child Offender Receives Maximum Sentence

Last night, after a three day trial presided over by Senior Judge Albert M. McCaig, Jr., James Herman Mendoza was sentenced to the maximum available sentence of Life in Prison, without the possibility of parole and a $10,000 fine for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. The State of Texas was represented by Kristen Litchfield and Sean Whittmore.

Jurors heard how Mendoza repeatedly violated a young family member, and how Mendoza’s actions have had devastating effects on her and on her family. This is the just the latest in a series of such cases over the last year where individuals from Waller County have been convicted of molesting/sexually assaulting children. Most of these types of cases involve predators looking for children in their own families/social circles to exploit.

The District Attorney’s office would like to thank Hempstead Police Department for their thorough and professional investigation and the assistance of Fort Bend Child Advocacy Center in the pursuit of justice in this case.

Take the time to educate your own children on what is appropriate/inappropriate touching and encourage them to demand others respect their bodies. In familial situations it can be the hardest, not wanting to believe a brother/uncle/dad/grandmother/aunt could do such a thing, but it does happen much too frequently. Keep an open mind when a child confides in you. Don’t shame them and don’t interrogate them. Call your local law enforcement agency as quickly as possible so that a professional can get involved to ensure the child is appropriately interviewed.