Staff members at Big Sandy ISD contacted the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday regarding concerns that a female junior high student may have been the victim of abuse.
Upon arriving at the school, deputies were informed that staff had observed multiple facial and bodily injuries on the juvenile, prompting concerns of possible physical abuse.
During the investigation, the student disclosed that her stepfather, identified as Tito Samuel Reyes, 35, had physically assaulted her at the family residence the previous evening.
Captain Craig Finegan, along with a Child Protective Services special investigator, responded to the school and interviewed staff regarding the injuries and the child’s statements about how they occurred.
The child was later taken to the local advocacy center, Childrenz Haven, where a trained forensic professional conducted a detailed interview. Based on information obtained during the forensic interview, detectives secured a search warrant for the family residence, where evidence consistent with the reported crimes was discovered and collected.
Tito Reyes was taken into custody at the residence on an arrest warrant for injury to a child causing bodily injury, a third-degree felony that carries a $15,000 bond.
Investigators also obtained sufficient evidence to secure an arrest warrant for the child’s biological mother, Johanna Elaine Reyes, 29, who was allegedly present during the abuse. She received the same charge and was taken into custody the following morning at the sheriff’s office while in the lobby.
Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons expressed gratitude to the agencies and personnel who assisted with the investigation, including Child Protective Services special investigators, staff members at Childrenz Haven, and the Polk County District Attorney’s Office. He noted that these agencies work together daily in efforts to combat child abuse in Polk County.
Detectives continue to investigate the case, and additional charges may be forthcoming. Those with information related to this investigation are encouraged to contact Detective Captain Craig Finegan with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division at 936-329-9028.
