The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Texas man was accused of secretly giving abortion medication to a pregnant woman without her knowledge, resulting in the death of her unborn child, according to the authorities.
Investigators said the case began in February after deputies were called to a hospital to look into a miscarriage that had occurred under suspicious circumstances. The woman reportedly told investigators she believed she had unknowingly consumed medication intended to end her pregnancy.
According to the authorities, the woman had been about 14 weeks pregnant at the time. Sheriff’s officials said the unborn child was later delivered stillborn at the hospital.
During the investigation, detectives reportedly learned that the woman’s boyfriend had previously wanted her to terminate the pregnancy. Investigators said he allegedly offered to pay for her travel so she could obtain an abortion outside Texas.
The authorities later determined the suspect had allegedly ordered abortion medication online and had it shipped to his residence. Detectives believe he crushed the medication and secretly mixed it into a drink given to the woman. Officials said investigators suspected the medication involved was mifepristone, which is illegal under Texas abortion laws.
Prosecutors described the allegations as serious and harmful, saying the case would be handled under current state law. Officials also stated they believed the prosecution could be one of the first cases of its kind brought under Texas’s abortion-related statutes involving the alleged non-consensual use of abortion medication.
The 25-year-old defendant was arrested on February 23, two days after the miscarriage. He was initially charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and remained in the Montgomery County Jail.
He was later charged with illegal performance of an abortion and injury to a child. Both charges were first-degree felonies. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.