Waco man gets life for sexually abusing children in Burnet, McLennan counties

A 52-year-old Waco man received life in prison without parole for the sexual abuse of three children in Burnet and McLennan counties. 

Angel Escalante’s sentence was handed down July 11 after a five-day jury trial in Burnet County with 33rd Judicial District Judge Allan Garrett presiding.

The case was prosecuted by assistant district attorneys Bill Price of Burnet County and Tara Avants of McLennan County. 

“I am very proud of the joint efforts of our office and the District Attorney’s Office of McLennan County for seeking the maximum sentence for someone who has abused children,” Burnet County District Attorney Perry Thomas said in a July 14 media release announcing the conviction. “I hope this sends a message that children who report abuse will be believed and their abusers held accountable.”

Evidence at trial revealed Escalante had abused three different family members starting as far back as 2009, according to the media release. The molestation continued until 2023, when two of the three survivors reported the abuse to a family member and then to Waco law enforcement. The Burnet County case was investigated by the Burnet Police Department.

Because the victims were younger at the time they were abused in Burnet County, and due to the repetitive nature of the offenses, that county’s charges carried a greater punishment and the trial was set there.

All three survivors testified at the trial along with witnesses from law enforcement and Child Protective Services. Jurors also heard testimony from a forensic interviewer in Waco and a child therapist who is an expert in the traumatic effects of child sexual abuse. The defense called almost a dozen witnesses.

Escalante had prior convictions for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, burglary of a habitation, and injury to a child.

editor@thepicayune.com