by | Published
WILSON COUNTY, Texas - Ferman Chavez has been sentenced to 99 years in state prison after being found guilty of Continuous Sexual Assault of a Child Under 14 Years of Age. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Judge Jennifer Dillingham on October 16, 2025.
Under Texas law, the 99-year sentence is required to be served day-for-day, meaning Chavez will never be eligible for parole.
Evidence Links Defendant to Ongoing Murder Case
During the punishment hearing, the court heard evidence of Chavez's extensive criminality, including his connection to a separate, ongoing murder investigation.
In June 2022, family members reported Menerva "Mickey" Rodriguez missing after she had not been seen for several weeks.
A witness later came forward, alleging that Chavez was responsible for her death, triggering a murder investigation in Karnes County.
Investigators gathered evidence confirming that Chavez had fatally shot Rodriguez in Karnes County.
While the 99-year sentence was formally imposed for the continuous sexual abuse of two child victims, authorities noted that the outcome also brings closure to the family of Mickey Rodriguez, as Chavez will remain incarcerated for life.
Investigation and Victim Courage
The conviction was the result of a thorough investigation led by the Floresville Police Department, with particular recognition given to former Investigator Perry Hyden. The Children’s Alliance of South Texas also played a critical role, with forensic interviewer Andrea Regalado providing expert testimony.
The District Attorney's office highlighted the extraordinary bravery of the two child victims who came forward to testify. "It takes unimaginable strength for children to come forward in cases like this," the office stated. "Their voices made all the difference, and because of their courage, justice was done."
The prosecution team of Lorena Whitney and Marc Ledet secured the conviction, ensuring that "a dangerous individual who posed a grave threat to our communities" will never harm another innocent person.
