DENTON COUNTY, Texas — A Denton County jury has sentenced Jose Diaz-Arbaiza to life in prison for Continuous Sexual Assault of a Child and an additional 20 years for Indecency with a Child after finding him guilty of the offenses.
The verdict and sentencing were handed down Friday, March 13, 2026, following a trial in the 477th Judicial District Court.
Prosecutors Assistant District Attorneys Kari Gannam and Rachel Hodges presented the state’s case, with assistance from District Attorney Investigator Scott Haney and Director of Victim Services Veronica Brunner. The case was investigated by the Carrollton Police Department.
Judge Michael Dickens, who presided over the trial, ordered the sentences to be stacked. This means that if Diaz-Arbaiza were ever granted parole on the life sentence, he would then begin serving the additional 20-year sentence, without receiving credit for time already served.
Continuous Sexual Assault of a Child is one of the most serious criminal offenses under Texas law and carries a minimum sentence of 25 years up to life in prison.
Officials said the outcome reflects the seriousness of the crimes and the commitment of investigators and prosecutors to seeking justice for victims.
