Wimberley, Texas — Hays County will host a public forum and educational event at 5 p.m. today, March 4, at the Wimberley Community Center to provide updates on Sentinel Peak Preserve and other parks and open space projects currently underway across the county. A panel will share the latest progress on Sentinel Peak Preserve, a 530-plus-acre property located just west of Wimberley. The preserve is slated to open to the public in 2027. “Sentinel Peak will serve as a Golden-cheeked Warbler habitat preserve and will also offer residents a unique riverfront park experience along a pristine one-mile stretch of the Blanco River,” said Hays County Parks & Natural Resources Director Karl Flocke. “We are designing this space to balance low-impact recreation with long-term environmental protection.” When completed, Sentinel Peak Preserve will feature opportunities for swimming and hiking, a nature center, a small event space, and County offices. The project is part of the broader 2020 Parks and Open Spaces Bond program, which funds park improvements and land conservation initiatives across Hays County. Potential project sites were initially recommended by partnering cities and nonprofit organizations, then evaluated and ranked by the citizen-led Parks and Open Spaces Advisory Commission. Each project has also benefited from extensive stakeholder input, including guidance from the Watershed Association, The Nature Conservancy, Hill Country Conservancy, the Great Springs Project, neighbors, and others who participated in community discussions such as the 2024 Capes Pond open house. “These projects increase access to nature-based recreation throughout the county,” Flocke said. “Visitors will see benefits like new and expanded trails, greater connectivity, and additional opportunities for swimming and fishing — an important addition since swimming at Jacob’s Well has not been possible since 2022 due to low water levels.” The director emphasized that all projects reflect the County’s long-term vision of pairing recreational access with responsible resource stewardship. “Our goal is to ensure residents can enjoy the county’s natural landscapes without detracting from the beauty and ecological value of the environment,” he said. Precinct 3 Commissioner Morgan Hammer added, “Sentinel Peak Preserve represents a major step forward in expanding access to nature while honoring our responsibility to protect Hays County’s most sensitive natural resources. Community input has shaped every stage of these projects, and we’re excited to share the progress with residents. The work being done today will ensure that families can enjoy these spaces for generations to come.” Residents can learn more about Sentinel Peak Preserve, other ongoing projects, and bond-funded initiatives by visiting the Hays County Parks Bond website at www.haysparksbond.com. ###

Hays County Health Department

SAN MARCOS , Texas – The office of Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced today that 50-year-old Jaime Espericueta of Liberty Hill, Texas, was sentenced to 75 years in prison on Feb. 23, 2026.  On Nov. 24, 2025, a jury found Jaime Espericueta guilty of continuous sexual abuse of a child. The evidence at trial showed that Jaime Espericueta sexually abused two different children over several years. Espericueta elected to have his punishment determined by the judge instead of a jury. After the jury found Espericueta guilty of continuous sexual abuse of a child, the punishment hearing occurred on Feb. 23, 2026. At this hearing, a third victim testified that Espericueta had also abused her when she was a child. The State presented additional evidence of the traumatic effects of sexual abuse. After hearing the evidence, Judge Alicia Key of the 483 rd District Court of Hays County sentenced Espericueta to 75 years in prison. Under the law applicable to the case, the defendant is not eligible for parole. This case was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Elizabeth Schmidt and Miranda Ebersole. Ebersole stated, “This was a case where the defendant spent years hiding his crimes of sexual abuse, often hiding behind his own family members for protection. The bravery of the survivors in this case to speak out about the abuse and stand up to the defendant in court was inspiring. This case is a warning to other abusers that even though years go by, we will still hold them accountable for the abuse they inflict on children.” # # #

To view the original notice, click here FILED HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS at 8:29 o'clock AM.

SAN MARCOS, Texas – The office of Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced that a Hays County jury sentenced Andy Wayne Carty to 65 years in prison for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, family violence, after convicting him in a case involving a violent attack on his girlfriend in front of their young children in Kyle. The jury also found Carty guilty of continuous family violence, assault family violence — impeding breath/circulation, and violation of a protective order, each with a five-year prison sentence. The sentences are concurrent, and Carty must serve 30 years before parole eligibility for the aggravated assault conviction. Judge Joe Pool presided over the two-week trial, which began on Feb. 3. The convictions arose from assaults on two separate nights — Jan. 31, 2023, and Feb. 25, 2023 — involving an adult female victim and her two young daughters. On Jan. 31, 2023, a verbal argument escalated when Carty slammed the woman’s shoulder and head into a wall, resulting in significant injuries. The children witnessed the assault, and when one attempted to call 911, Carty took the phone. The mother and children escaped into the garage, barricaded themselves in a vehicle, called 911, and waited for police to arrive. Carty was arrested on misdemeanor assault charges and bonded out the next day. On Feb. 25, 2023, he entered the home between 2:30 a.m. and 3 a.m. by climbing through an unlocked window. His head was shaved, he was barefoot, and he wore only boxer shorts. He hid electronic devices that could be used to call for help as his family slept. Then, he strangled the woman in bed while whispering that he would kill her for sending him to jail. One of the children was sleeping beside her. The assault escalated as the mother fought to escape. Carty choked her nearly unconscious and struck her in the head multiple times with a 10-pound dumbbell, causing significant injuries. He wielded a long hunting knife and attempted to duct-tape his family’s mouths shut. The struggle continued to the front door, where Carty again attempted to strangle the woman as a child fought to pull him away. The children fled through the garage to a neighbor’s home while their mother fought off their father and escaped to the neighbor’s as well. Police and SWAT responded, and the woman was taken for medical care. Carty fled but was apprehended later that morning after a brief manhunt by the Kyle Police Department. Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Jon English and Claudia Garcia of the Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office in San Marcos prosecuted the case. “The defendant was brought to justice because regular people did heroic things,” English said. “The victim’s strength, her children’s courage, and the Kyle Police Department’s dedication inspire us in our fight against domestic violence.” “The jury’s sentence holds the offender accountable and warns that domestic violence will have serious consequences,” Garcia said. “We appreciate the Kyle Police Department’s professionalism and persistence, and we’re committed to protecting victims and pursuing justice in domestic violence cases.”  The prosecution team included Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Daniella Garcia, Abigail Whitaker and Harrison Watson; Victim Assistance Coordinators Annalise Brewer-Hall and Erin Dupalo; Legal Assistant Avery Slocum; Digital Media Evidence Assistant Mercedes Pena; and HCDAO Investigator Sgt. Rheanne Garcia. # # #

SAN MARCOS, Texas — Effective Jan. 20, the professional services agreement for a countywide water study was approved by the Hays County Commissioners Court. The study aims to better understand current water conditions and plan for long-term sustainability across the region, supporting responsible water management amid rapid growth and evolving environmental challenges. The new study marks the first countywide water analysis since 2011. “The last water study that we had done is from 2011,” said Precinct 3 Commissioner Morgan Hammer, emphasizing the need for updated data that reflects current conditions. Over the last decade, Hays County has experienced significant growth, increased development pressure, and ongoing water challenges, particularly in West Hays County. “There have always been challenges in West Hays County,” Hammer said. “There are so many factors at play, and every part of the county is different, so this study will help us clearly see what’s really going on.” Following a competitive selection process, HDR Engineering Inc. was chosen to conduct the study. HDR brings extensive experience in water resource planning and will work closely with county leadership throughout the process. The study will take approximately 11 months to complete, with a not-to-exceed cost of $542,360. The scope of the study is broad and forward-looking. It will evaluate water supply planning, wastewater effluent management, localized flood planning, and existing regulations that impact water use. The study will also include a flooding assessment for all four county precincts and a focused evaluation of centralized sewer options for the Hillside Terrace neighborhood, an older, higher-density area facing flooding and aging septic system concerns. Public stakeholder outreach will be a key component of the effort. “This study gives us a good perspective of where we are at from a water standpoint,” Hammer said. “This would be helpful to have in conjunction with subdivision regulations to give us a better understanding of our Priority Groundwater Management Areas.” While the study is still in its early stages and final results are expected at the conclusion of the 11-month timeline, County leaders anticipate that interval updates and opportunities for public engagement will be shared as the work progresses. Residents will have opportunities to learn more about the findings and how they may inform future planning and policy decisions. Looking ahead, Hays County views this study as a foundational step toward protecting water resources for future generations. By combining updated data, flood assessments, infrastructure evaluation and community input, County leaders aim to develop long-term strategies that support growth while maintaining healthy and sustainable water resources countywide. ###

SAN MARCOS, Texas — On Jan. 20, the Hays County Commissioners Court approved a list of polling locations for the upcoming joint primary election, allowing eligible voters to cast their ballots at any open polling location during both early voting and on Election Day. Hays County is not using assigned polling locations for the primary election. Instead, voters may choose the vote center location that is most convenient for them. All vote centers will be equipped to serve voters participating in both the Republican and Democratic primaries. Locations include the following (*indicates an early voting location): San Marcos ● Broadway Polling Location, 401 Broadway St. #A * ● Brookdale San Marcos North, 1720 Old Ranch Road 12 ● Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos, 211 Lee St. ● Dunbar Center, 801 W. Martin Luther King Drive ● First Baptist Church San Marcos, 325 W. McCarty Lane ● Hays County Elections Office, main early voting site (sitio principal de votación anticipada), 120 Stagecoach Trail * ● La Cima Amenity Center, 301A Central Park Loop ● LBJ Student Center, Texas State University, 301 Student Center Drive and 601 University Drive * ● Promiseland Church, 1650 Lime Kiln Road ● San Marcos Fire Department Station 5, 100 Carlson Circle ● San Marcos Housing Authority/C.M. Allen Homes, 820 Sturgeon Drive ● San Marcos Public Library, 625 E. Hopkins St. ● Sinai Pentecostal Church, 208 Laredo St. ● South Hays Fire Department Station 12, 8301 Ranch Road 12 Kyle ● Austin Community College–Hays Campus, 1200 Kohlers Crossing ● Gemstone Palace, 1101 Bunton Creek Road, Suite 200 ● HCISD Academic Support Center, 21003 Interstate 35 Frontage Road * ● Kyle City Hall, 100 W. Center St. * ● HCISD Transportation Department, main office, 2385 High Road, Uhland * ● Hays County Precinct 2 Office, 5458 FM 2770 ● Hays County Transportation Department–Yarrington, 2171 Yarrington Road * Buda ● Buda City Hall and Library Multipurpose Room (sala multiusos), 405 E. Loop St., Building 100 * ● HCISD Child Nutrition Support Services, 5750 Dacy Lane ● Hays Hills Baptist Church, 1401 N. FM 1626 ● Southern Hills Church of Christ, 3740 FM 967 ● Sunfield Station, 2610 Main St., Suite 100 * ● Historic Buda Elementary School, Upper Campus, Kunkel Room, 300 N. San Marcos St. Wimberley ● Texan Academy at Scudder, 400 Green Acres Drive * ● VFW Post 6441, 401 Jacobs Well Road ● Wimberley Community Center, Blanco Room, 14068 Ranch Road 12 * Dripping Springs / Austin ● Belterra Centre, 151 Trinity Hills Drive, Austin ● Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Event Center, 1042 Event Center Drive ● North Hays County Fire Rescue Station 3, 7520 Creek Road ● Patriots’ Hall of Dripping Springs, Veterans Hall, 231 Patriots’ Hall Blvd. * ● Hays County Precinct 4 Office, 195 Roger Hanks Parkway * All Hays County vote center locations are ADA accessible and offer curbside voting. “The Vote Center system gives voters flexibility and removes barriers to participation,” said Elections Administrator Jennifer Doinoff. “Voters can cast their ballot at any open location, whether they vote early or on Election Day.” Early in-person voting runs from Feb. 17–27. Voters are encouraged to take advantage of this period to avoid lines and ensure a smooth voting experience. Voters who plan to vote by mail should act quickly. Friday, Feb. 20, is the deadline to apply for a Ballot by Mail. Waiting until the last minute increases the likelihood that ballots may not arrive by the deadline required for counting. Election Day for the joint primary election is Tuesday, March 3. On Election Day, voters may continue to use any open vote center location in Hays County. “The most important thing for voters to remember is that they can vote anywhere in Hays County during early voting and on Election Day,” Doinoff added. “We encourage voters to cast their ballots early to avoid potential lines on Election Day.” For information on vote center locations, early voting schedules, or voting by mail, voters should visit the Hays County Elections website at www.hayscountytx.gov/elections . ###

SAN MARCOS, Texas – The office of Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced that 29-year-old Izaiah Vela, formerly of Martindale, was sentenced to 75 years in prison by a jury on Jan. 21, 2026. On Jan. 15, 2025, a Hays County jury found Vela guilty of one count of sexual assault of a child. The evidence showed that the defendant met his minor victim over Instagram, admitted he knew she was underage, and convinced her to meet him with the promise of free marijuana. Once they met and he provided her with the marijuana, he then “did what he wanted” to the victim. The evidence showed that he repeatedly displayed a firearm during the course of the assault, including holding it against the victim’s back. Afterward, he admitted the offense over Instagram messages with the victim, and he attempted to set up another meeting with her for the same purpose. He later deleted the entire message conversation and performed a factory reset on his phone before he was arrested. After the jury returned a guilty verdict, the case proceeded to the punishment phase before the same jury. Evidence was introduced that Vela was a career criminal, having been convicted of three counts of burglary of a motor vehicle and having been sent to prison twice, once for evading arrest with a motor vehicle and once for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Evidence also showed that he was dealing marijuana around the time of the sexual assault case. The evidence in the punishment phase showed that a couple of months after the primary offense, the defendant repeatedly sold fentanyl pills to numerous individuals, most of them high school students in Hays County, including to a 15-year-old high school sophomore. After buying seven fentanyl pills from the defendant at a discounted price, that young person died on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, from fentanyl toxicity, only to be found by her mother the next morning when she went to wake her daughter up for school. Vela was tied to her death and the other drug sales by his Instagram messages, his CashApp transactions and by FLOCK camera images. Once he was aware of her overdose, the defendant deleted his messages with her, as well as his entire Instagram account that he used to sell fentanyl. The defendant was subsequently arrested when he went to report to his parole officer in November of 2023, as he was on parole for his firearm conviction at the time. After hearing all this testimony, the jury sentenced the defendant to 75 years in prison with no fine. Judge Steel of the 274 th District Court presided over the trial and accepted the jury’s verdicts. Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Daniel Sakaida and Cassidy Story prosecuted the case. The ADAs were assisted in this case by Victim Assistance Coordinator Sandra Groters, Legal Assistants Avery Slocum and Cristina Kearbey and District Attorney’s Office Sgt. Investigators Robert Torres and Matthew Grantham. This case in chief was investigated by the San Marcos Police Department’s Detective Caitlyn Bennett, Detective Crystal Benavides, Officer Franco Stewart, Detective Kevin Blackwood and Crime Analyst Patrica Hom. The fentanyl case was investigated by the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Christopher Adams, Deputy Andres Vega, Deputy Adam Krueger, Detective Nelson Wray, Detective Chase Fuller, Deputy Paul Mooney, Deputy Ian Alcorn, Deputy Joshua Larson, Deputy Brian Burgdorf, Custodian Kristi White and Evidence Technician Johnna Martone. “The defendant preyed on vulnerable minors in Hays County in the worst ways possible,” Sakaida said. “He saw minors as easy, manipulable clients for his drug sales and as targets for his sexual desires. The jury recognized the damage he inflicted on our community, and they made the right decision to put him away effectively for the rest of his life. Nothing can truly fix the pain left in the defendant’s wake, but this verdict is justice for his victims.” # # #

SAN MARCOS, Texas — On Jan. 6, 2026, the Hays County Commissioners Court took final action to approve a Jail-Based Competency Restoration (JBCR) Program aimed at addressing the growing mental health crisis in the criminal justice system while reducing lengthy jail stays for individuals deemed incompetent to stand trial. The Commissioners Court voted unanimously to approve the program. “We have worked on this initiative for a long time, and our partnership with Hill Country, our mental health authority, has been exceptional," agenda item sponsor and Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe said. "This is a curriculum-driven, evaluative, and therapeutic restoration program that will provide meaningful services and support to individuals in need." Under Texas law, individuals must be competent to proceed in court, meaning they can understand the charges against them, assist their defense attorney, and meaningfully participate in their legal strategy. Currently, individuals who are found incompetent often face long delays awaiting placement in a state hospital for treatment. In the Hays County Jail, delays can stretch to nearly 300 days. “This is a major issue not just in Hays County, but across our state and country,” said Landon Campbell, Division Chief, Assistant Criminal District Attorney. “Right now, people are sitting in our jail, not moving forward with their cases, not able to defend themselves, and simply waiting for treatment.” The newly approved program enables Hays County to collaborate with its local mental health authority to offer competency restoration services directly within the Hays County Jail, thereby eliminating the need to wait for placement in the state hospital system. “Jail-Based Competency Restoration short-circuits a system that is not meeting the needs of our community,” Campbell said. “Instead of waiting nearly a year for treatment, we can provide those services right here, right now.” The program is designed not to push individuals more quickly through the justice system, but to connect them with appropriate care and expand access to diversion and treatment-focused court options. The Commissioners Court also emphasized the program's fiscal responsibility. Housing an individual in jail for approximately 300 days can cost taxpayers an estimated $45,000, often without any progress toward treatment or case resolution. “We’re spending significant taxpayer dollars while getting nothing in return,” Judge Ruben Becerra said. “Anything we can do to shorten that timeline is absolutely worth pursuing.” The program will be funded through a state grant awarded to Hill Country Mental Health, which will embed forensic mental health professionals within the Hays County Jail to provide curriculum-driven, therapeutic and evaluative competency restoration services. The county’s primary financial responsibility will be related to medications, which will be provided through existing jail healthcare contracts. Michelle Zaumeyer, Director of Forensic Services for Hill Country MHDD Centers, said similar programs have shown strong results. “In our neighboring county, we’re seeing a 75% success rate in restoring competency within 60 days or less, sometimes even within 30 days,” Zaumeyer said. “This partnership has the potential to make a real difference for the 24 individuals currently waiting for services in Hays County.” Officials expressed appreciation for the collaboration among the Commissioners Court, Criminal District Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, Hill Country Mental Health, and jail medical provider Wellpath LLC. "I am pleased that we have reached a point where there is a shared understanding of the significant benefits this program will deliver,” Ingalsbe said. The Jail-Based Competency Restoration Program is expected to begin implementation in the coming months, with county officials committed to providing updates as it moves forward. ###