On April 9, 2024, the Austin County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of an armed man waving a firearm and shooting at vehicles near Millheim on FM 949 in Austin County, Texas. Concurrently, reports emerged of an armed robbery in the area. Deputies swiftly apprehended a suspect, Joseph Mesa, 35, of Sealy, on charges of Aggravated Robbery (First Degree Felony) and Deadly Conduct (Third Degree Felony).
Mesa, previously out on a $100,000.00 bond for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, had been indicted for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child (1st Degree Felony) and was scheduled to appear in court on April 9, 2024, for this charge. However, he failed to appear, prompting the Austin County District Attorney’s Office to request Mesa’s bond be forfeited. Judge Jeff Steinhauser approved the request and set Mesa’s bond at “No Bond.”
In a separate incident earlier on April 9, 2024, the Sealy Police Department investigated allegations that Mesa had kidnapped an adult female in Sealy. Coordinating with Austin County law enforcement, Sealy Police located the female, who received medical treatment. Subsequently, Sealy Police investigators obtained warrants for Mesa on charges of Aggravated Kidnapping (1st Degree Felony), Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (2nd Degree Felony), Attempted Murder (2nd Degree Felony), and Interference with an Emergency Call (Class A Misdemeanor).
On April 10, 2024, Judge Daniel Leedy set bonds totaling $750,000.00 for the Sealy charges. Mesa remains in custody at the Austin County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities urge anyone with information on these incidents to contact the Austin County Sheriff’s Office at 979-865-3111 or Sealy Police Department at 979-885-2913.
Note: Arrests and indictments are allegations of criminal conduct, not evidence. A suspect is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law. As this is an ongoing investigation, no further comments will be made at this time.
