According to a press release from the Grimes County District Attorney’s Office, “On April 25, 2024, Renato Vargas Arenas, age 25, pled guilty to Sexual Assault of a Child, which is second degree felony. The defendant requested a sentencing hearing in front of 506th District Gary Chaney.
On March 5, 2025, the sentencing hearing was held.
Assistant DA Meagan Ghormley put on evidence of two different sexual assault of a child cases that originated in Brazos County, Texas. Both victims testified they met Arenas through Snapchat when they were 14 years of age, and the defendant lied to them about his name and age. The defendant represented to both victims he was a teenager. Both victims testified the defendant sexually assaulted them on more than one occasion in Brazos County.
ADA Ghormley put on testimony from a Brazos County Deputy Constable, who caught Arenas engaged in one of the sexual assaults in Brazos County. A probation officer also testified about a pre-sentence investigation, which suggested incarceration in prison as an appropriate punishment for Arenas.
Finally, ADA Ghormley put on evidence of the Grimes County case. The sexual assault victim testified that she also met the defendant through Snapchat when she was 14 years of age. Arenas also lied to her about his name and told the victim he was a teenager. He ultimately sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions. The Judge also heard evidence the defendant was on bond with an ankle monitor when he committed the Grimes County offense.
After hearing the evidence from both the State and Defense, Judge Chaney sentenced Arenas to 20 years in prison, which is the maximum penalty allowed by law.
Renato Vargas Arenas is in the custody of the Grimes County Jail awaiting transfer to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.”
“I am very proud of the three victims who testified today. I am also grateful to law enforcement for their work on this case. The Navasota Police Department was able to work with the Grimes County victim and catch the defendant while he was going to her home in the middle of the night. This prison sentence is appropriate for the defendant’s predatory behavior.”–Grimes County Assistant District Attorney, Meagan Ghormley
Photo from Grimes County District Attorney’s Press Release