Louie Jay Villagonza, 29, of New Braunfels has been sentenced to 32 years in state prison after pleading guilty to continuous sexual abuse of a child. Prosecutors say the case involved a 12-year-old who was staying overnight at a friend’s home where Villagonza lived, and that the abuse happened on multiple occasions. According to the Comal County Criminal District Attorney’s office, he must serve the entire 32-year term with no chance of parole.
Investigation and plea
The investigation began on January 3, 2024, after the victim’s mother discovered inappropriate messages on the child’s social media account and turned the phone over to New Braunfels police, according to KSAT. Detectives obtained a search warrant for Villagonza’s cellphone, where they say additional messages were found that backed up the child’s account of what happened.
Authorities say Villagonza admitted to the abuse during an interview. The Comal County Criminal District Attorney’s office told the station that he entered a guilty plea on March 16, which led to a judge-imposed 32-year prison sentence in Comal County courts.
What the charge carries in Texas
Under Texas law, continuous sexual abuse of a young child is charged as a first-degree felony under Texas Penal Code §21.02. The statute sets a punishment range of 25 to 99 years, or life, in prison.
State parole rules further restrict release options for anyone convicted under §21.02. Those limits on parole eligibility are laid out in Texas Government Code §508.145.
Sentence and next steps
The Comal County Criminal District Attorney’s office said Villagonza’s admission, combined with the corroborating cellphone messages, formed the backbone of the case and supported the lengthy sentence. He will not be eligible for parole and must serve the full 32-year term, according to reporting by KSAT. Official court records in the Comal County courthouse are expected to reflect the March guilty plea and the judge’s sentence.
Support and resources
The Comal County Criminal District Attorney’s Victim Assistance Program offers notification services, counseling referrals and other support for victims and their families, with contact details and resources listed on the county’s victim assistance page. Parents who suspect online grooming are urged to save messages and any other evidence, report suspicious contact to law enforcement or Child Protective Services, and reach out to local victim services for counseling and legal help.
