Jury Sentences 37.5 Years for Sexual Assault of a Child

On Monday October 24th, in the 506th Judicial District Court of Waller County, Eric Balderas, age 29 in an unusual move invoked his right to plead guilty to three counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child directly to a Waller County jury that had been assembled for his trial. Balderas admitted to sexually assaulting a child at the Royal ISD Boys and Girls Club in Brookshire, Texas back in 2016 when he was employed there. After two and 1/2 days of hearing punishment evidence the jury returned verdicts of guilty and sentenced Balderas to 37.5 years in prison and a $10,000.00 fine on one count, 35 years and a $10,000.00 fine on the second count, and another 35 years and a $10,000.00 fine on the third count. Balderas faced a possibility of life in prison on each count. What Balderas did was monstrous, but if there is any redeeming fact around these cases it is that he admitted his actions to the jury and agreed to accept the consequences. More defendants should follow this pattern. The D.A.’s Office was represented by Mr. Bennett Dodson and the case investigated by the Royal ISD Police Department. We are also happy to report that the victim who is now an adult is strong, rebuilding their life and is pursuing an education and career in service to others.