Child Sex Abuse Cases Surge in San Patricio County

Prosecutors say recent school-related arrests are just the tip of the iceberg

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:25pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a child's stuffed animal toy, its surface texture and details sharply illuminated by a harsh flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a somber, investigative mood without depicting any actual violence or victims.The growing number of child sex abuse cases in San Patricio County exposes a troubling crisis that demands urgent action and community awareness.Corpus Christi Today

The district attorney and a child sex crimes investigator in San Patricio County, Texas are speaking out about a growing crisis of child sex abuse cases in the area. Recent high-profile arrests involving schools are just a small fraction of the hundreds of pending cases the district attorney's office is handling, with many involving victims who know their alleged abusers.

Why it matters

The rise in child sex abuse cases in San Patricio County reflects a broader national trend, with statistics showing one in three girls and one in five boys will be sexually abused. Prosecutors say early reporting and awareness are crucial to putting offenders behind bars and protecting vulnerable children.

The details

According to District Attorney Margie Silva, her office is currently dealing with 90 pending jury trials for child sex abuse cases, with another 100+ waiting to be indicted. Many of these cases involve victims who know their alleged abusers, with 90% of perpetrators being close family members or friends. Investigator Nolanna Ortiz says gaining the trust of victims and their families is crucial, as the legal process can take years before a case goes to trial.

  • In the past week, two high-profile child sex abuse cases involving local schools in Mathis and Odem led to multiple arrests.
  • District Attorney Margie Silva says her office is now handling child sex abuse cases at different stages in the legal system.

The players

Margie Silva

The district attorney for San Patricio County, Texas who is speaking out about the surge in child sex abuse cases her office is handling.

Nolanna Ortiz

A child sex crimes investigator with the San Patricio County District Attorney's Office who works closely with victims and their families.

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What they’re saying

“We're up to 90 pending jury trials and we probably have another hundred and something waiting for indictment.”

— Margie Silva, District Attorney

“90% of the time (the perpetrator is) someone they know -- a close family member or friend. That becomes even more problematic for the child. We have a lot of continuous sexual abuse cases and we are seeing a lot more being turned in.”

— Margie Silva, District Attorney

“We'll meet with the victim and the family -- we'll have suggestions like, 'Hey, look -- I think this is going to be a journey for you. Like the whole process is going to be a journey for you and a lot of times these cases don't go to trial for years.' We have some cases where it takes four years.”

— Nolanna Ortiz, Child Sex Crimes Investigator

What’s next

District Attorney Margie Silva says her office is focused on raising awareness and encouraging early reporting of child sex abuse cases in order to put more offenders behind bars and protect vulnerable children in the community.

The takeaway

The surge in child sex abuse cases in San Patricio County reflects a troubling national trend, with prosecutors saying early reporting and community awareness are crucial to addressing this growing crisis and ensuring justice for young victims.