BELTON, TX — A 41-year-old registered sex offender is back in custody after a reports of child sexual assault led investigators to uncover additional allegations of domestic violence. Jeremy David DuPaul, of Belton, was arrested Tuesday, April 14, 2026, following a coordinated effort by the Bell County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
The investigation has resulted in first-degree felony charges and a combined bond set at $325,000.
Dual-Track Investigation
The case began last week when the Bell County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an aggravated sexual assault involving a minor. As the Criminal Investigations Division began looking into the outcry, they developed evidence of alleged domestic violence unrelated to the initial report.
Based on that evidence, investigators first secured an arrest warrant for Assault Causing Bodily Injury from Justice of the Peace Cliff Coleman. DuPaul was taken into custody on Tuesday and booked into the Bell County Jail.
Upgraded Charges and Prior History
By Wednesday, April 15, investigators presented their findings to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office. Following a formal review, prosecutors accepted a charge of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, a first-degree felony.
Authorities confirmed that DuPaul is a registered sex offender with a statutory requirement to register annually. His prior record includes a conviction for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material.
Collaborative Support for Victims
The Bell County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that no identifying information about the victim will be released to ensure their safety and privacy. Sheriff’s officials expressed deep gratitude to the individual who came forward with the information that initiated the case, noting that their vigilance directly contributed to the protection of a child.
The Child Advocacy Center of Central Texas played a critical role in the investigation, providing forensic interviews and ongoing support services, including advocacy and counseling for the victim. The Center operates as a nonprofit organization and serves as a vital resource for child victims in the region.
The investigation remains ongoing.
