Marvin Douglas Rotenberry, a municipal court judge in parts of Galveston County, has been charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child. He was arrested Tuesday, booked into the county jail, and released after posting a $160,000 bond. The charges involve two individuals who were children when the alleged assaults happened in the early 2000s.
Allegations outlined in court records
Court documents say that one alleged victim reported that Rotenberry first assaulted her at age 8 and that the abuse continued until she was about 13. A second victim said she was assaulted at least twice between ages 8 and 10. The documents state the alleged incidents happened over several years in the early 2000s, according to Click2Houston.
Official listing shows service to Bayou Vista
The Texas Office of Court Administration's directory lists Marvin Douglas Rotenberry as the presiding municipal judge for Bayou Vista, confirming he has held municipal judicial duties in Galveston County. That state court directory is the public listing for municipal judges in the county. It is not yet clear whether the cities where he worked have taken administrative action following the arrest.
Booking and bond
As reported by Click2Houston, Rotenberry was booked into the Galveston County Jail on two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and later released after posting a $160,000 bond. The arrest followed an investigation and the filing of court documents alleging the offenses. Court dockets and filings in Galveston County will show the next formal steps in the criminal case.
What the charges mean and oversight
Aggravated sexual assault under Texas law is prosecuted as a first degree felony, and the statute carries severe prison terms with enhanced minimums in certain child victim cases, as per Texas Penal Code §22.021. The state's sex offender registration laws list aggravated sexual assault as a "reportable" conviction that generally triggers lifetime registration requirements under Chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The Texas Constitution and judicial rules allow oversight bodies to suspend or remove judges who are indicted or formally disciplined. These actions can take place even while criminal cases are ongoing, as noted by Justia.
Galveston County District Attorney’s office and local court records will show upcoming filings, arraignment dates, and any updates to Rotenberry’s status. Updates will be provided as public records and official statements are released.
