Authorities say a Montgomery County father walked into his New Caney home last Tuesday and found a 63-year-old man inside his 16-year-old daughter's bedroom. Deputies identified the suspect as Miguel Navarrete and booked him on a charge of sexual assault of a child. Investigators say the father had arrived home early, spotted an unfamiliar car in the driveway and confronted the man inside the house.
How deputies say it unfolded
Deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office East Patrol responded to the 21400 block of Dallas Street after reports of a disturbance, according to ABC13. Investigators told the outlet that the homeowner found Navarrete in his daughter's room and that Navarrete had first met the teen at a Houston-area church. Lt. Paul Hahs told the station the teenage victim acknowledged there had been some sexual contact.
Charges and booking
Navarrete was taken to the Montgomery County Jail and booked on a charge of sexual assault of a child, a second-degree felony, the sheriff's office said, per FOX 26. The outlet reports that detectives with the sheriff's Special Victims Unit collected evidence that led to the charge, and deputies say they are also looking into whether there might be additional victims.
Response from family
Court documents summarized by CW39 identify the victim as a 16-year-old girl and state that members of Navarrete's family deny the allegations. The records also note that he was taken into custody and later released after posting bond. Those filings are part of the public court record as the case moves through Montgomery County's system.
What the charge means
Under Texas law a second-degree felony carries a potential sentence of two to twenty years in prison and a fine of up to 10,000 dollars, according to the Texas Penal Code. A charge is an allegation, and the accused remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. Prosecutors and detectives are expected to continue reviewing evidence and will decide whether to pursue any additional charges.
How to help
Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office at 936-538-5900, officials told ABC13. Victims and families looking for support can seek assistance from local victim-services organizations as the investigation continues.
