OPD Arrests Olney Man on Child Assault Charges

An Olney man remains behind bars after being arrested last week on a charge of aggravated sexual assault of a child following an investigation by the Olney Police Department.

Garner Thomas Castro, 45, was arrested on March 28 and booked into the Young County Jail. His bond has been set at $500,000, according to jail records. Mr. Castro has previous arrests for burglary, possession of marijuana, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

Olney Police Chief Dan Birbeck said the arrest came after a 17-yearold made an outcry to family members.

“We had an outcry from the victim and we believe we built up enough probable cause to make an arrest,” Chief Birbeck said. “The victim is now 17, but this has been going on for a while.”

According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Olney Police Detective Autumn Thames, the victim alleged that Mr. Castro, who was living with the victim’s mother at the time, engaged in abusive behavior over a span of several years, beginning when the victim was 13 years old.

The victim was interviewed at Virginia’s House, a children’s advocacy center in Graham, where she detailed the allegations against Mr. Castro. Detective Thames stated in the affidavit that the victim first reported the abuse to family members because after becoming concerned that Mr. Castro could victimize a younger child in the home. The family members encouraged her to speak with law enforcement, the affidavit said.

After receiving the outcry, police executed a search warrant at Mr. Castro’s home on North Grand Avenue in Olney, seizing his mobile phone and other evidence. Chief Birbeck confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing and that authorities are reviewing potential digital evidence.

The arrest affidavit indicates that the allegations involve incidents that began in 2020 and continued for several years. Mr. Castro was arrested by Olney Police on March 28.

The aggravated sexual assault of a child charge is a first-degree felony under Texas law, carrying a potential sentence of five to 99 years or life in prison if Mr. Castro is convicted.

In addition to the current charge, Mr. Castro’s criminal record includes prior arrests for burglary, drug possession, and illegal possession of a firearm, police said.Chief Birbeck said the case highlights the importance of taking allegations of abuse seriously.

He encouraged anyone who suspects abuse or has information about this case to contact the Olney Police Department.