A shocking criminal case from Texas has drawn national attention after authorities accused a man of secretly giving abortion medication to his pregnant girlfriend without her consent. Prosecutors say the alleged act led to the death of the unborn child and could become one of the first major criminal cases of its kind under Texas abortion laws.
John Ruben Demeter, 25, is now facing multiple felony charges connected to the alleged incident.
Texas Man Accused of Secretly Giving Abortion Medication
According to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, Demeter has been charged with illegal performance of an abortion and injury to a child.
Prosecutors allege that he secretly gave abortion-inducing medication to a pregnant woman without her knowledge or permission.
Authorities claim the medication caused the death of the unborn child.
Investigation Began After Suspicious Miscarriage
The case first came to light in February after the woman sought medical treatment because she believed she may have unknowingly consumed abortion medication.
Law enforcement officials said deputies were called to investigate after a miscarriage occurred under suspicious circumstances.
According to investigators, the woman suspected her boyfriend may have poisoned her in an attempt to end the pregnancy.
Medication Allegedly Mixed Into a Drink
Montgomery County Sheriff Wesley Doolittle said investigators discovered that Demeter allegedly purchased abortion medication online and had it delivered to his home.
Authorities believe he crushed the medication and secretly mixed it into a drink.
During a press conference, Doolittle said:
“He covertly crushed that medication and mixed it in a water bottle with a liquid I.V. packet.”
Investigators allege the act was done intentionally to end the pregnancy.
Pregnancy Was Reportedly 14 Weeks Along
According to authorities, the pregnancy was about 14 weeks along when the unborn child died.
Sheriff Doolittle said the baby, identified as Presley Mae, was stillborn at the hospital.
Officials stated the unborn child weighed approximately 55 grams.
The emotional details of the case have sparked intense public discussion and media coverage across Texas and beyond.
Woman Allegedly Refused Abortion Request
According to reports, investigators learned that Demeter had previously asked the woman to get an abortion.
The woman reportedly refused.
Authorities also allege Demeter offered to pay for travel expenses so she could leave Texas and undergo the procedure legally in another state.
Investigators later concluded that he may have instead used mifepristone, an abortion medication that is heavily restricted under Texas law.
Prosecutors Call Case “Deeply Troubling”
Prosecutor Laura Hill described the allegations as extremely serious.
She stated:
“These allegations describe conduct that is both deeply troubling and profoundly harmful.”
Officials emphasized that the charges focus on allegations involving the non-consensual use of medication and the harm caused during the investigation.
Possible First Case Under Texas Abortion Law
During the press conference, prosecutors suggested the case could become one of the first criminal prosecutions of its kind under Texas’ current abortion restrictions.
Demeter was initially charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after his arrest in February.
He has remained in custody at the Montgomery County Jail since Feb. 23.
Authorities say he now faces two first-degree felony charges.
Possible Prison Sentence if Convicted
If convicted, Demeter could face a lengthy prison sentence.
According to officials, the charges carry severe penalties under Texas law.
Montgomery County District Attorney Mike Holley said the office plans to continue pursuing the case based on the available evidence and state law.
He described the allegations as involving “deliberate deception” with devastating consequences.
