Texas man accused of child sex crimes avoids jail in plea deal with Soros-backed prosecutor: report
Share this @internewscast.com

A man from Texas facing allegations of repeatedly sexually assaulting a child has managed to evade prosecution on nine felony charges, following a plea agreement with a Travis County prosecutor reportedly backed by George Soros, as per recent reports.

According to Austin’s ABC affiliate KVUE, 37-year-old Richard Leigh Bell was initially facing nine felony indictments. These included a charge of continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, six counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child, and two counts of indecency with a child. However, these charges were dismissed under a plea bargain, allowing Bell to admit guilt to a single count of injury to a child, classified as a third-degree felony.

The agreement sentenced Bell to five years of deferred probation. Additionally, he is required to register as a sex offender and is prohibited from having contact with the victim, her family, or any minors, according to KVUE. The terms of the plea mean he will serve no jail time.

After the court proceedings on Monday, the victim’s father expressed to KVUE his shock at the outcome, stating that prosecutors Efrain De La Fuente and Lorraine Garcia did not involve him in plea negotiations.

Richard Leigh Bell Mugshot

Richard Leigh Bell, aged 37, accepted a guilty plea to a lesser felony charge, resulting in the dismissal of nine child sex abuse allegations as part of the plea agreement. (Rockbridge Regional Jail)

“I was furious to discover that this was not only our first and final plea agreement, but it was imposed regardless of my approval,” he remarked.

The father, who was not named to protect the victim’s identity, said he had expected a prison sentence for Bell.

“I think any parent would expect somebody to rot in jail for doing something like this,” he told KVUE. “As time went on, I expected a realistic plea deal to be years at least—long enough to serve some time in prison where you belong if you have successfully carried out pedophilic acts.”

Jose Garza Picture

Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza poses in front of the Austin skyline in a portrait from the county website. Garza has faced criticism for accusations that he aggressively prosecutes police officers accused of wrongdoing while going easy on career criminals. (Travis County DA Website)

In Texas, deferred adjudication lets defendants avoid a conviction if they complete probation successfully, though any violation can trigger sentencing on the original charge. Bell’s probation conditions — including mandatory sex offender registration and no-contact restrictions — will remain in place for the entire five-year term.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza’s office and has not received a response.

Texas District Attorney Jose Garza

Travis County, Texas District Attorney Jose Garza working as an activist in 2019. (Rick Kern/Getty Images for MoveOn.org Civic Action)

Garza, who took office in deep-blue Travis County in 2021 after a campaign backed by progressive billionaire Soros, pledged to “reimagine” criminal justice and prosecute police officers. He has defended his record as district attorney, saying he is “doing exactly what Travis County voters elected him to do — fixing our broken criminal justice system by standing with survivors, working to end the excessive use of force by police, and prioritizing treatment over incarceration for nonviolent drug offenses.”

Critics have argued that Garza’s office has failed to advocate for victims and has promoted policies that make the city less safe.

He has also faced scrutiny for aggressively prosecuting police officers in a city still divided over the council’s 2020 decision to cut police funding.

That tension came to a head in 2023, when Garza sparked outrage for appearing at the funeral of a fallen police officer — a move some called “a slap in the face.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Pope opens 2026 with plea for peace in countries bloodied by war, families wounded by violence

2026 Begins with Pope’s Urgent Call for Global Peace Amid Ongoing Conflicts and Family Strife

ROME — On Thursday, Pope Leo XIV ushered in 2026 with a…
Maduro says Venezuela is 'ready' to make deal with US on drugs and oil after military strikes

Venezuela Poised for US Agreement on Oil and Drug Challenges Following Military Actions, Says Maduro

In a surprising turn of events, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has expressed…
The road ahead for transit in New York City in 2026 includes fare hikes

New York City Transit 2026: Anticipated Fare Hikes and Future Plans for Commuters

New York City’s new Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic…
Political violence has 'just started,’ former FBI agent warns in 2026 outlook

Brace for Impact: Ex-FBI Agent Warns of Escalating Political Violence in 2026

A retired FBI agent has issued a stark warning that the threat…
2026 elections: What to know about Illinois governor election, Chicago mayoral election and 2026 midterm elections

Essential Insights on Illinois’ 2026 Elections: Governor, Chicago Mayor, and Midterms Unveiled

CHICAGO (WLS) — As Illinois steps into the New Year, the state’s…
Amazon Prime offers holiday gas deal: How to redeem the perk

Surprise Amazon Checks Arrive: Find Out Why They’re Landing in Your Mailbox

Recent reports reveal that Amazon has been sending checks to some of…
'See you in court': Muslim civil rights group responds to terrorist designation by Florida governor

Florida Sets New Record, Leading Nation in 2025 Executions: An In-Depth Analysis

Florida has emerged as the state with the highest number of executions…
Singer Pink spends New Year's Eve in hospital

Pop Icon Pink Rings in New Year with Unexpected Hospital Stay

On Wednesday, the pop sensation P!nk, known offstage as Alecia Beth Moore,…
Trump, in interview, defends his energy and health, offers new details on screening he underwent

Trump Unveils Health Secrets: Defends Vitality and Shares Exclusive Details on Recent Screening

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, President Donald Trump addressed…
Porsche recalls more than 170k vehicles due to rearview camera issue

Porsche Initiates Recall of Over 170,000 Vehicles to Address Rearview Camera Concern

According to the recall notice, the rearview image may fail to appear…
Planned burn gets out of control in St. Johns County, prompting large response

Controlled Burn in St. Johns County Sparks Unexpected Emergency Response

A New Year’s Day controlled burn in St. Johns County took an…
Nuggets dealt another injury blow with Jonas Valanciunas out with calf strain

Denver Nuggets Face Setback as Jonas Valanciunas Sidelined with Calf Strain Injury

The Denver Nuggets are facing a growing list of injuries. Center Jonas…