Texas Border Business
DONNA – A Donna man will spend the next 18 years behind bars for several sexual abuse charges. Juan Antonio Tafolla, 34, was found guilty and sentenced by the court to 18 years on Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and Aggravated Sexual Assault.
On March 3, 2022, the San Juan Police Department was dispatched in reference to a welfare concern, which was later determined to be in reference to a sexual abuse of a child. Throughout the course of the investigation, it was discovered that Tafolla sexually abused a 12-year-old minor in San Juan, Texas. The child was interviewed by a forensic interviewer and underwent a sexual assault examination where the child made consistent outcries detailing the disturbing sexual abuse by Tafolla.
During the Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child investigation by law enforcement, it was reported that Tafolla committed a second criminal offense of Aggravated Sexual Assault against a 32-year-old woman in San Juan, Texas on March 25, 2022. A second investigation ensued regarding the second criminal offense and ultimately resulted in warrants of arrest against Tafolla.
Tafolla, while out on bond, was set to appear on January 22, 2025 for a jury trial. Tafolla failed to appear despite Court admonishments and bond conditions requiring Tafolla to be present at every court hearing. As a result, a warrant for Tafolla’s arrest was issued and the District Attorney’s Office charged Tafolla with an additional charge of Bail Jumping/Failure to Appear. Tafolla was re-arrested on March 5, 2025.
On March 21, 2025, Tafolla went before 206th District Court Judge Rose G. Reyna and entered guilty pleas to both sexual abuse charges. The sentence was ordered to run concurrently.
“The District Attorney’s Office will not tolerate those who have a complete disregard for human life and for the laws of the State of Texas,” said Hidalgo County District Attorney Toribio “Terry” Palacios.
The charges are the result of an investigation conducted by the San Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Special Crimes Assistant District Attorney Ricardo Hernandez.
Information source: Hidalgo County DA
