A Cuero man first arrested in early 2024 has now been sentenced to a decade in prison, concluding a long‑running child sexual assault case that moved through years of investigation, victim‑centered consultation, and pretrial preparation.
Ruben Morales, 70, entered a guilty plea in DeWitt County District Court on Monday, August 18, the same day his trial was scheduled to begin. His plea resulted in a 10‑year prison sentence for aggravated sexual assault of a child — a first‑degree felony under Texas law.
According to reporting by the Victoria Advocate, District Attorney d the plea agreement was shaped directly by the victim and the victim’s family, whose input guided the final outcome.
Cromeens told the Advocate, “No resolution can undo the harm done to the victim. After careful consideration, and in discussion with the victim and the victim’s family — whose input and approval guided this decision — a plea agreement was reached resulting in a ten‑year prison sentence.”
Aggravated sexual assault of a child carries a statutory punishment range of 5 to 99 years or life in Texas. Morales’ 10‑year sentence reflects a negotiated plea rather than a maximum penalty.
Because the offense is classified as a restricted parole crime, Morales must serve at least half of his sentence — five years — before becoming eligible for parole review, with no credit for good conduct time. He will also be subject to lifetime sex offender registration upon release.
Morales’ case is one of several child sexual assault prosecutions in DeWitt County in recent years. In 2020, a Cuero man received a 35‑year sentence for a similar offense, and another resident was sentenced to 66 years for continuous sexual assault of a child.
Cuero, a small community of just over 8,000 residents, has seen cases like this ripple through local institutions — from law enforcement to advocacy centers to the families affected. Cromeens said the priority throughout the Morales case was ensuring the victim’s voice was heard and respected.
The 24th Judicial District Attorney’s Office reiterated its commitment to protecting children across DeWitt, Calhoun, and Goliad counties, emphasizing that collaborative work between investigators, forensic interviewers, and victim advocates remains essential in achieving justice.