Texas man indicted after allegedly giving woman abortion drug without consent
Officials say the case began after a reported suspicious miscarriage in February
Jon Rueben Demeter has been indicted on felony charges after authorities allege he secretly administered abortion-inducing medication to a pregnant woman without her knowledge, resulting in the death of her unborn child.
The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office announced on May 20 that a grand jury had returned indictments against Demeter on charges of performance of an abortion and injury to a child.
Prosecutors say the case stems from a February investigation that began after authorities were alerted to a suspected miscarriage under unusual circumstances.
According to Sheriff Wesley Doolittle, the unborn child—named Presley Mae—was delivered stillborn at a hospital and was approximately 14 weeks along. Officials said the baby weighed about 55 grams and was “developed” with identifiable physical features.
Investigators allege Demeter obtained abortion medication online and had it shipped to his residence before crushing the pills and secretly mixing them into a drink containing a liquid electrolyte solution.
Authorities further claim the act was carried out intentionally, with the purpose of terminating the pregnancy without the woman’s consent.
District Attorney Mike Holley said during a press briefing that Demeter was initially charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon before the case was elevated following the grand jury’s decision.
Officials also stated that Texas law includes abortion-related statutes, though they acknowledged that exceptions exist which, in their view, did not apply in this case.
The child’s mother reportedly told investigators she intended to continue the pregnancy but alleged that Demeter had pressured her to have an abortion and even offered to pay for one out of state, according to law enforcement accounts cited by local media.
Authorities further allege that the medication involved was mifepristone, a hormone-blocking drug, which officials said is restricted under state law.
Sheriff Doolittle described the case as a deeply disturbing act, saying investigators would continue pursuing all leads to ensure accountability.
Demeter remains at the center of ongoing legal proceedings. His attorney, as well as the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Office, have not issued further public comments.