SEGUIN, Texas – Ruben Castro Jr., a 65-year-old man facing serious charges of child sex abuse, was rearrested on Friday after violating the terms of his bond. For years, Castro claimed health issues had prevented him from attending court, appearing in a wheelchair and wrapped in a blanket. However, he failed to attend required pretrial check-ins since October 2022. This neglect of his bond terms led the court to raise his bond amount to $500,000.
His arrest came shortly after his attorney requested to withdraw from the case, stating she could no longer represent him effectively. This move raised questions, particularly after a recent investigation highlighted doubts about Castro’s claims of being too ill for trial.
Castro was indicted in October 2020 on multiple felony charges related to the alleged abuse of his two step-granddaughters over a decade. These allegations only surfaced when the accusers reported to authorities as adults. Since the indictment, six hearings have been canceled, primarily due to Castro’s defense team arguing he was not healthy enough to stand trial.
Recent investigations revealed that although Castro claimed serious health problems, including an acute stomach ulcer and multiple strokes, his family seemed to prioritize his comfort over legal proceedings. After learning about his condition, the prosecutor questioned the relevance of three-year-old medical records. This led to public scrutiny when Castro was spotted moving outside his residence and a motel, despite his reported health limitations.
Castro’s wife defended him, insisting he is innocent and that they are not exaggerating his health problems. She spoke of the turmoil within the family, attributing the allegations to anger and jealousy. Meanwhile, the accusers expressed their frustration over how the case has been handled, feeling neglected in the legal process. They claimed it took them years to come forward because they thought they were alone in their experiences.
On Friday, discussions were held about possibly transferring the case to the State Attorney General’s Office, which could further delay the trial. As of now, the date for Castro’s next court appearance remains uncertain.
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