Years of Silence. Justice for Life

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- After finding Manuel Garcia Rodriguez (also known as Manuel Rodriguez Garcia), 51, guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child, a Montgomery County jury sentenced him to life imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on June 25, 2026.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Luke VanNorman and Division Chief Shanna Redwine in the 435th District Court before the Honorable Judge Patty Maginnis.

Evidence presented during trial showed Rodriguez was a trusted relative who repeatedly sexually abused two children over several years, beginning when they were very young. The victims endured the abuse in silence before finding the courage to come forward and share what had happened.

During the three-day trial, jurors heard testimony detailing the years of abuse and its lasting impact on the victims. After carefully considering the evidence, the jury found Rodriguez guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child. The following day, jurors assessed punishment at life imprisonment, ensuring Rodriguez will spend the rest of his life behind bars.

“These victims carried the weight of unimaginable abuse for years, yet they found the strength to stand in a courtroom, tell the truth, and confront the man who stole their childhood,” said Assistant District Attorney Luke VanNorman. “Their courage made this verdict possible. While no sentence can erase what they endured, we hope the outcome affirms that their voices mattered, they were believed, and justice was served.”

Montgomery County District Attorney Mike Holley said the verdict reflects the office’s steadfast commitment to protecting children and holding offenders accountable. “There are few crimes more devastating than the sexual abuse of a child. This life sentence ensures this predator will spend the rest of his life paying for the harm he inflicted. We are grateful to these courageous survivors for coming forward, to the jury for carefully weighing the evidence, and to everyone who helped bring this case to justice. In Montgomery County, we will never stop fighting for victims, protecting children, and holding those who prey on the innocent fully accountable.”

The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office extends its sincere appreciation to our trial team, Victim Assistance Coordinators, law enforcement officers, investigators, the jury, and everyone who supported the victims throughout this case. Their professionalism, compassion, and commitment helped ensure justice was achieved.

Although this sentence cannot undo the trauma these victims endured, it represents accountability, justice, and the opportunity to move forward.