by | Published
NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — A 20-year-old New Braunfels man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to a violent assault against a former partner inside her home.
Joshua Bermea pleaded guilty to Burglary of a Habitation with Intent to Commit a Felony Other Than Theft and was sentenced by Judge Gary Steel of the 274th District Court. He also pleaded guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance, receiving an additional 10-year sentence.
According to prosecutors, the case stems from a series of threats and escalating violence in late 2023. On November 8, 2023, Bermea sent approximately 250 text messages to the victim, many of which were threatening and aggressive, including statements such as, “Imma hurt the [expletive] outta you just [expletive] wait.”
The following day, November 9, the victim reported that Bermea entered her home without permission. When she told him to leave, he took her phone and began assaulting her. Authorities said he slapped and punched her repeatedly, pushed her to the ground, and struck her multiple times in the body. During the attack, Bermea placed his hands around her neck and choked her, preventing her from breathing.
Investigators said one of the blows caused the victim to temporarily lose hearing in one ear. Before leaving, Bermea broke the victim’s phone. He later sent additional threatening messages, including one stating he would return.
Officials said the incident was part of an ongoing pattern of harassment. In September 2023, the victim reported that Bermea followed her in his vehicle while making threats and sending messages such as, “Imma make you live in hell.”
Assistant District Attorney Pawandeep Singh prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the New Braunfels Police Department with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Authorities said the sentence reflects the severity of the violence and repeated threats in the case.
