BRYAN, Texas – A 38-year-old man who evaded arrest for nearly 15 years has finally been taken into custody by the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office after being linked to the continuous sexual assault of a pre-teen between 2009 and 2010, officials confirmed this week.
The suspect, Jose Daniel Zavala-Estrada, had been one of Brazos County’s Most Wanted fugitives since 2010. Authorities say he used multiple aliases while living in the United States after illegally crossing the border from Mexico, allowing him to remain undetected for years.
Long-Awaited Arrest
Zavala-Estrada was arrested on November 11, 2025, in Bryan, Texas, bringing an end to a manhunt that spanned more than a decade. He now faces charges of continuous sexual assault of a child, a first-degree felony.
The original report was filed with the Bryan Police Department in August 2010 after the victim’s mother came forward. The child was later interviewed by professionals at Scotty’s House, a Brazos Valley child advocacy center, whose team provided key information that helped investigators secure the long-awaited arrest.
“There are cases from 2010, there are cases from last year, and it takes time for these cases to be investigated,” said Cary Baker, Executive Director of Scotty’s House. “It takes time for suspects to be apprehended. Our goal is not just about justice — it’s to support the child and the family throughout their healing journey.”
Zavala-Estrada remains in Brazos County Jail under an immigration hold, with bond set at $150,000.
Role of Child Advocacy in the Case
Scotty’s House, which has served the Brazos Valley community for over 30 years, plays a vital role in assisting child victims of abuse. Their services include forensic interviews, medical exams, counseling, and long-term family support.
“It’s not often that children report abuse right away,” Baker explained. “Many come to us a year or even two years after the abuse occurred. But there is no statute of limitations for child sexual assault in Texas. We’re here to help victims heal, no matter how much time has passed.”
Since its founding, Scotty’s House has helped more than 14,000 children, offering a safe and supportive environment for those navigating trauma and the justice system.
Call for Vigilance and Reporting
Baker emphasized that protecting children starts with community awareness and action. She urged adults to report any suspicions of abuse immediately.
“If a child discloses something to you, or you see something that seems suspicious, you need to pick up the phone,” she said. “If a child has the courage to tell someone what happened, we hope the adult will have the courage to report it.”
Residents are encouraged to report child abuse to:
- Local law enforcement by calling 911, or
- The Texas Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400.
Justice and Healing
Law enforcement officials praised the persistence of detectives, advocates, and the victim’s family in pursuing justice after so many years. They said the arrest serves as a reminder that time does not erase accountability.
“This case shows that justice can prevail, even after years of waiting,” a Brazos County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said. “We remain committed to pursuing offenders who believe they can hide from responsibility.”
The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed depending on new evidence.
For continued updates on this case and other verified crime reports from Texas, follow the latest developments only on HonkNews.com.