Executive Summary
- Jaime Espericueta was sentenced to 75 years in prison for continuous sexual abuse of a child.
- A Hays County jury found the defendant guilty in November 2025.
- The defendant is not eligible for parole under the sentencing laws applied.
- Testimony from a third victim was heard during the sentencing phase.
- Judge Alicia Key of the 483rd District Court presided over the sentencing.
SAN MARCOS, Texas — A 50-year-old Liberty Hill man was sentenced to 75 years in prison on Tuesday following his conviction for the continuous sexual abuse of a child, according to an announcement by the Hays County District Attorney’s Office.
Hays County District Attorney Kelly Higgins confirmed that Judge Alicia Key of the 483rd District Court handed down the sentence to Jaime Espericueta. Under the specific legal statutes applied to this case, court officials noted that Espericueta is not eligible for parole. The sentencing follows a guilty verdict delivered by a jury on November 24, 2025.
During the trial proceedings, prosecutors presented evidence demonstrating that Espericueta sexually abused two children over a period of several years. Following the conviction, the defendant elected to have his punishment determined by the judge rather than the jury. The sentencing hearing, conducted on February 23, included testimony from a third victim who stated she was also abused by Espericueta as a child, according to court records.
Prosecutors utilized the hearing to present additional evidence regarding the long-term trauma inflicted upon the victims. The court weighed this testimony before delivering the 75-year term. It is important to note that the judicial process requires guilt to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law, a burden that was met in this case resulting in the jury’s verdict.
Judicial Severity & Sentencing Standards
This case underscores the judicial system’s stringent approach to continuous sexual abuse of children, particularly in Texas, where sentencing guidelines allow for significant prison terms without the possibility of parole. The imposition of a 75-year sentence reflects the court’s intent to prioritize victim safety and deliver a punishment commensurate with the lasting psychological impact of such crimes. By admitting testimony from an additional victim during the sentencing phase, the court reinforced the legal relevance of establishing patterns of behavior when determining the severity of a penalty.
