When the victim ran away, MCSO said she had injuries and scars all over her body and told deputies she'd been abused and tortured by the sisters for months.
CONROE, Texas — Two Montgomery County sisters are behind bars after a 12-year-old girl told investigators that the women had physically and sexually abused her for months in their Conroe home.
Brenda Garcia, 38, and Tania Garcia, 37, are charged with injury to a child, unlawful restraint, and invasive visual recording.
The investigation began when the girl escaped on September 28 and told investigators with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office that the sisters held her captive, tortured her, and starved her.
According to court documents, the victim had injuries all over her body, including a large gash on her forehead that appeared infected. She was taken to Texas Children's Hospital in The Woodlands, where medical staff confirmed signs of physical abuse, neglect, and malnutrition.
When the sisters were questioned at their home, they claimed the girl was "psychotic" and that she had injured herself.
According to court documents, detectives found video from security cameras inside the house and on Brenda's cell phone that match the victim's account of what happened. MCSO said they also found text messages from Brenda where she admitted that she hit the girl.
The sisters were arrested on October 3. Brenda Garcia remains jailed on bonds totaling $280,000. Tania Garcia is being held on bonds totaling $200,000.
Allegations against Garcia sisters (WARNING: Disturbing details
The girl told detectives with MCSO's Special Victims Unit that she previously lived with an uncle in Houston who also sexually abused her. She said Brenda, who knows the uncle, picked her up from school one day in March and took her to Conroe to live with her.
According to a 10-page court document, the girl described months of abuse at the hands of the sisters.
Medical staff at TCH said the girl's injuries on her face, head, ears, arms, back, legs, feet and hands are consistent with her account of what happened, court docs say. They also noted that she suffers from psychological trauma.
The child is currently safe and receiving medical care and support services, according to MCSO.
“The safety and well-being of children will always be my highest priority. This case is deeply disturbing, but it also highlights the importance of community awareness and the courage it takes to speak up," Sheriff Dolittle said. "Together, we can protect the most vulnerable among us and ensure that justice is served.”
The sheriff’s office urges the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicions of child abuse.
Child abuse resources & services
If you or someone you know is a victim of child abuse of any kind, there is help available. You can start by contacting one of these agencies or organizations.
You can also tell an adult you trust, such as a teacher, principal or school counselor.
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