A youth sports coach on Houston’s Northside was sentenced to 35 years in prison on two charges and 20 years in prison on another charge this week for sexually assaulting young girls on his team, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced.

“This man is a predator who sought out a position of trust so that he could take advantage of young girls,” Ogg said. “Ten victims from different time frames came forward to tell their stories, and this agreement not only ensures that he will spend decades in prison and cannot appeal, but these victims will be spared from testifying about his abuse.”

Juan Jose Cruz, a 56-year-old who went by “John,” was sent to prison Thursday after several of the young women who came forward were able to give victim impact statements.

While free on bond on the first case that was filed, Cruz jumped bail and refused to report to court. He absconded for more than a year and was brought back to court in 2020.  He pleaded guilty this week to two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child in exchange for 35 years in prison and one count of Indecency with a Child for 20 years. Those sentences will run concurrently.

Assistant District Attorney Janna Oswald, who is a Division Chief in the Crimes Against Children Division, prosecuted the case with ADA Edward Appelbaum, who is also a chief prosecutor. 

“This Defendant is a true predator.  He abused numerous girls in his life who trusted him and whose parents trusted him,” Oswald said.  “The Defendant was good at grooming the community, the parents and the girls, allowing him to commit these crimes for a long time. The bravery that it took for all of these women and young ladies to disclose their abuse and be ready to testify against their abuser is awe inspiring. Their statements show their strength and resilience.”

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