Texas Mother Sentenced to 60 Years for Poisoning Her Daughter in Disturbing Case of Faked Seizure Disorder
Aug 23, 11:00 PM
Jesika Jones, 32, has been sentenced to 60 years in prison for intentionally poisoning her 4-year-old daughter in an effort to fake a seizure disorder. The sentencing was handed down by 485th District Court Judge Steve Jumes, who condemned Jones as a "determined recidivist."
Jones, who referred to herself as a "habitual liar," had previously reached a plea deal with prosecutors in January, admitting guilt to charges of injury to a child with serious bodily harm and abandoning or endangering a child with reckless criminal negligence. The charges stemmed from her repeated administration of excessive amounts of Benadryl and other medications to her young daughter, causing severe health issues.
Judge Jumes, in his remarks, highlighted Jones' continued dangerous behavior even while awaiting sentencing. He expressed grave concern over her ongoing attempts to gain access to children, noting that Jones had been caught administering medication to a 12-year-old girl as recently as July.
"Because you are a determined recidivist and because I believe that you have a knack for finding situations where you can have access to children, I’m not confident giving you a prison sentence simply beyond a traditional dating range will protect the public," Judge Jumes stated.
Authorities believe Jones may have victimized all five of her children in similar fashion. Despite being arrested over two years ago, Jones allegedly continued to poison children while out on bond, including the daughter of a man she was attempting to date.
Detective Michael Weber of the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office revealed that Jones was caught in July giving medication to a 12-year-old girl who was not her own child. According to the girl’s testimony, Jones, who posed as a nurse, administered medication that made her feel dizzy.
“We found that she was meeting men and essentially becoming involved with them to gain access to their children,” Det. Weber said.
Jones' estranged husband, Derek Jones, also addressed the court, speaking on behalf of their children. He described the profound impact of her actions, stating that their lives had been dominated by "fake sickness," replacing childhood experiences with hospital visits and fear.
The case came to light after Jones repeatedly brought her daughter to the emergency room at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, claiming the child suffered from chronic seizures. Medical staff discovered high levels of anti-allergy medication in the girl's system, leading to suspicions of poisoning. When questioned, Jones eventually admitted to dosing her daughter with Benadryl, Trazodone, and Hydroxyzine.
Jones eventually confessed to police that she “needs help,” according to an affidavit. “I think I’m a horrible person,” she admitted. “I don’t love myself. I don’t like who I am. I’m tired of living like this. I’m tired of hurting people. I don’t know. I really don’t.” During the interview, Jones described herself as a “habitual liar.”
Tarrant County Judge Steven Jumes expressed concern for public safety in rendering the 60-year sentence.
“Unfortunately, I believe you are a determined recidivist,” he stated.
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Jones, who referred to herself as a "habitual liar," had previously reached a plea deal with prosecutors in January, admitting guilt to charges of injury to a child with serious bodily harm and abandoning or endangering a child with reckless criminal negligence. The charges stemmed from her repeated administration of excessive amounts of Benadryl and other medications to her young daughter, causing severe health issues.
Judge Jumes, in his remarks, highlighted Jones' continued dangerous behavior even while awaiting sentencing. He expressed grave concern over her ongoing attempts to gain access to children, noting that Jones had been caught administering medication to a 12-year-old girl as recently as July.
"Because you are a determined recidivist and because I believe that you have a knack for finding situations where you can have access to children, I’m not confident giving you a prison sentence simply beyond a traditional dating range will protect the public," Judge Jumes stated.
Authorities believe Jones may have victimized all five of her children in similar fashion. Despite being arrested over two years ago, Jones allegedly continued to poison children while out on bond, including the daughter of a man she was attempting to date.
Detective Michael Weber of the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office revealed that Jones was caught in July giving medication to a 12-year-old girl who was not her own child. According to the girl’s testimony, Jones, who posed as a nurse, administered medication that made her feel dizzy.
“We found that she was meeting men and essentially becoming involved with them to gain access to their children,” Det. Weber said.
Jones' estranged husband, Derek Jones, also addressed the court, speaking on behalf of their children. He described the profound impact of her actions, stating that their lives had been dominated by "fake sickness," replacing childhood experiences with hospital visits and fear.
The case came to light after Jones repeatedly brought her daughter to the emergency room at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, claiming the child suffered from chronic seizures. Medical staff discovered high levels of anti-allergy medication in the girl's system, leading to suspicions of poisoning. When questioned, Jones eventually admitted to dosing her daughter with Benadryl, Trazodone, and Hydroxyzine.
Jones eventually confessed to police that she “needs help,” according to an affidavit. “I think I’m a horrible person,” she admitted. “I don’t love myself. I don’t like who I am. I’m tired of living like this. I’m tired of hurting people. I don’t know. I really don’t.” During the interview, Jones described herself as a “habitual liar.”
Tarrant County Judge Steven Jumes expressed concern for public safety in rendering the 60-year sentence.
“Unfortunately, I believe you are a determined recidivist,” he stated.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com