Delaware County authorities are seeking to revoke the suspended sentence of Machelle Espinoza, a 31-year-old former Grove woman, who was convicted of raping a child.
Espinoza appeared in Delaware County District Court on Wednesday and is currently being held in the Delaware County jail.
Violation of Probation and Motion to Revoke Sentence
Espinoza had been serving a 10-year suspended sentence for the 2019 conviction, in which she pleaded guilty to raping a 13-year-old boy.
As part of her sentence, she was required to register as a sex offender for life.
However, she is now facing additional legal trouble after allegedly violating her probation by being in possession of an illegal marijuana vape pen, without medical documentation.
The state filed a motion to revoke Espinoza’s suspended sentence, citing the violation of her probation conditions.
Authorities say the possession of the contraband constitutes a breach of the terms set for her release, and as a result, she may face the full sentence of her original conviction.
Background of the Case
Espinoza’s conviction stemmed from a 2019 case in which she was accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy.
She was sentenced to a 10-year suspended sentence, meaning she was not required to serve time in prison unless she violated the terms of her probation.
Along with the suspended sentence, she was also mandated to register as a sex offender for life.
During her sentencing in 2019, Espinoza requested that her parole supervision be transferred to Texas. She moved to Texas, where she lived for several years.
However, while in Texas, Espinoza failed to appear in Delaware County District Court for a financial docket hearing, which led to a warrant being issued for her arrest.
Recent Developments and Struggles
In 2025, Espinoza moved back to Stillwell, Oklahoma, following a divorce, which resulted in her losing her home.
A progress report from the Texas Pardon and Parole board stated that while Espinoza had been attending group sessions during her time in Texas, she was struggling with mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Despite these challenges, her violation of probation and legal troubles have now led to her facing the revocation of her suspended sentence.
Next Steps and Legal Proceedings
Espinoza’s case remains under active review, with Delaware County authorities pursuing the revocation of her suspended sentence.
The court will likely weigh the circumstances surrounding her probation violation, including her mental health struggles, as part of the ongoing legal process.
Espinoza’s next court date and further developments in her case will be closely followed by local authorities and the public.
