Montgomery County, Texas — A Texas man is facing serious felony charges after authorities alleged he secretly gave a pregnant woman abortion-inducing medication without her knowledge or consent, resulting in the death of her unborn child.
The disturbing case has drawn widespread attention after investigators revealed details surrounding the alleged incident and the death of a 14-week-old unborn baby identified as Presley Mae.
Grand Jury Returns Felony Indictments
According to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, a grand jury returned indictments against 25-year-old Jon Rueben Demeter on Wednesday, May 20.
Demeter has been charged with performance of an abortion and injury to a child, according to officials.
District Attorney Mike Holley said during a press conference that the suspect had originally been arrested on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon following the investigation.
Holley also referenced Texas abortion laws while discussing the case.
“There are some statutory exceptions to the abortion provisions, but none would apply here or seem to apply here,” Holley stated.
Investigation Began After Suspicious Miscarriage Report
Authorities said the case first came to light on February 21, when the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office received a call reporting a miscarriage under suspicious circumstances.
Sheriff Wesley Doolittle shared emotional details about the unborn child during the press conference.
“That baby, Presley Mae, was stillborn at the hospital, weighed about 55 grams,” Doolittle said. “As we said, she had 10 fingers and 10 toes. She was developed, about 14 weeks along.”
Investigators later learned that the woman reportedly intended to keep the baby, while Demeter allegedly wanted her to terminate the pregnancy.
According to authorities, the suspect had allegedly offered to pay for the woman to travel out of state for an abortion before the incident occurred.
Authorities Allege Medication Was Secretly Added to Drink
During the investigation, detectives discovered that Demeter allegedly obtained abortion medication online and had it delivered to his residence.
Sheriff Doolittle described how investigators believe the drug was administered.
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“He covertly crushed that medication and mixed it in a water bottle with a liquid IV packet,” Doolittle alleged. “And this was done with a specific intent to cause the death of the child.”
Authorities said the medication involved was allegedly mifepristone, a hormone-blocking abortion drug that is illegal in Texas.
The woman later suffered the miscarriage, leading investigators to suspect criminal involvement and launch a deeper inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the unborn child’s death.
Sheriff Vows Pursuit of Justice
As details of the case emerged, Sheriff Doolittle strongly condemned the alleged actions and vowed to continue pursuing justice for the unborn child.
“Presley Mae’s life was intentionally and tragically taken from her and will not stand for it,” Doolittle said.
The sheriff became emotional while speaking about the case and the future the child never had.
“She had 10 fingers, 10 toes and an entire lifetime of possibilities ahead of her. That future was stolen before it ever had a chance to begin.”
He added: “We will not rest and we will pursue every lead, uncover every answer and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”
Case Expected to Draw Significant Attention
The case is expected to continue drawing public and legal attention because of its connection to Texas abortion laws and the serious criminal allegations involved.
Authorities have not released additional details about upcoming court proceedings or whether further charges could be considered as the investigation continues.
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